The Rose rocked up to Stair Park looking to make it three from three in the league against a tricky Stranraer side.

Robbie Horn made seven changes to the team that turned out at NDP for Tuesday evening’s SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Livingston B, with a few enforced changes required.

The hosts were quickest out the traps under the beaming west coast sunshine, with Blues legend Craig Malcolm slipping Paul Woods in behind the enemy backline within the first minute.

The winger, despite the best defensive efforts of Scott Gray, was able to let off a low shot, but it wasn’t powerful enough to trouble the safe hands of Mark Weir.

A half-hearted penalty shout was the most the Rosey Posey could muster in the opening 20 as the hosts continued to push forward in search of an opener.

And yet, despite the Blues’ control, it was Bob Wilson who nearly broke the deadlock. Big Boab rose highest to Lee Currie’s deep corner but his looping header was knocked onto the post by a backtracking defender. A rebound chance fell to the left peg of Kerr Young, though the defender couldn’t keep his effort down.

A quick water break was necessary but it may have been counterproductive for the Rose as the home side took the lead immediately after the restart.

Anton Brady whipped a cracking free-kick into the mixer and renowned goal getter Malcolm leapt through the air to nod the ball beyond Weir.

To make matters worse, Neil Martyniuk was withdrawn due to injury moments later. Thankfully, his replacement Josh Grigor entered the field of play and instantly grabbed an assist.

Young Josh collected the ball out wide on the right flank, following a good tackle high up the park from Kevin Smith and shunt pass out wide from Ross Gray, and fired a drilled cross towards the back post. King Kev was waiting eagerly to coolly finish off the attack he started and grab his 5th goal of the campaign.

Little of note happened until the hosts took the lead for a second time 13 minutes into the second half. A dipping Luke Watt cross to the back stick was stabbed home by a determined Josh Walker.

Stranraer again seemed to take control of the tie until Craig Ross’ dangerous challenge on Scott Gray sent the wide man flying into the air, leaving referee Steven Kirkland with no option but to send the defender off.

As expected, Rose sent men forward and Stranraer camped defiantly in their own 18-yard box. Substitutes Kieran Hall and Conor Doan both had promising shots on goal blocked by a blockade of Blues bodies in quick succession.

Just when all hope seemed lost… almost ten minute deep into stoppage time… Penalty!

Young was clumsily hacked down inside the area as a increasingly under pressure Blues defence grew more desperate to keep the Rose at bay.

Currie stepped up, took a breathe and slotted the spot kick home into the bottom corner. The 98th (or 97th, or 99th (depending on who you ask)) minute equaliser sparked jubilant scenes amongst the away support and rescued a point from a very tricky away day.

The Rose remain undefeated in their debut SPFL campaign with two victories and one last-gasp draw.

Home comforts returns next weekend as we host Albion Rovers at New Dundas Park.

‘Mon the Rose!

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