It was another game of disappointment for Bonnyrigg Rose as they suffered a frustrating defeat away to Albion Rovers. Rose made three changes from the previous game as Dean Brett, Jonny Stewart and Kevin Smith made way for Kieran Mitchell, Alan Horne and Callum Connolly.

The game took a while to get going as some early chances saw a free kick from Charlie Reilly headed over by Ayrton Sonkur and a low shot from Jamie Leslie well saved by the feet of Weir. Albion Rovers would eventually go on to take the lead following some scrappy play from a corner, with Luke Graham providing the finishing touch. Rose went close soon after as a great ball down the line from Neil Martyniuk to Kieran Mitchell almost resulted in a goal but the shot was just wide.

Leslie had another good chance for Rovers, with his effort from outside the box going wide. It was then Rose’s turn to try and respond, this time Kieran McGachie rifling wide on the volley following Ross Gray’s chipped pass. Lee Currie’s free kick was collected by Jack Leighfield, and shortly after Neil Martyniuk had to make way after picking up a knock, a real blow for such a consistent performer this season. He was replaced by Bradley Barrett.

Rovers pushed hard for a second before the break, Weir having to pull off a phenomenal double save to deny Paton and the follow up from Leslie following a quick turnover in play. The second would eventually come though, as some quick feet from captain Callum Wilson caught out Barrett and won Albion a penalty. Reilly converted from the spot and secured a second for Rovers. Rose were able to get a vital goal back just before half-time after Currie scored a fantastic free kick from just outside the box which nestled right in the top corner.

The second half was a very frustrating one for Rose, as they were relentless with their chances early on but just weren’t able to convert the equaliser. A couple of good chances from set-pieces started off the half, with Kerr Young’s header being cleared off the line by Ewan Wilson and McGachie’s header being well saved by Leighfield. In the 67th minute, Conor Doan and George Hunter came on for Ross and Scott Gray as Rose pushed even further for an equaliser.

However, a red card for Barrett after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Leslie saw Rose a man down, and chances of an equaliser were swiftly dwindling. Kieran Hall came on for Kieran Mitchell as Rose had one last roll of the dice, but it wasn’t to be as Albion Rovers ran out 2-1 winners.

It’s been a frustrating few games for the Rosey Posey, but we know one win can change an entire teams fortunes, and Rose will hope to do just that against Annan Athletic on Tuesday night at New Dundas Park.