Bonnyrigg Rose suffered a frustrating as they welcomed East Fife to New Dundas Park for the first time this season, missing a big opportunity to leapfrog Elgin City into the playoff positions.

Rose fielded an almost unchanged side from the one which defeated Annan Athletic on Tuesday night, with Josh Grigor coming in for the injured Dean Brett. It was a fast start as well for the Rosey Posey, with Lee Currie's corner being headed in by Callum Connolly as Rose took the lead two minutes in. just moments later Rose almost added to their lead as a lovely lofted ball from goalscorer Connolly was headed just over from close range from George Hunter. Rose continued to pepper the East Fife goal with a volley from Kerr Young from outside the area flying over the bar. That was all for the chances from a relatively quiet first half, with a few cards being dished out by referee Graham Beaton as Sam Denham, Currie, and Young saw their names go into the book.

The second half was one to forget for Rose. Young was replaced early by Bob Wilson due to an injury that irritated him towards the end of the first half. East Fife showed some early pressure, with Ryan Schiavone's shot saved by Mark Weir, but the warning signs were there. Aaron Steele was booked for a handball, and from the resulting free-kick Wilson almost added Rose's second from close range. the Fifers would go level just after the hour mark with Schiavone getting the leveller, heading home from a corner. They would go on to add their second just two minutes later as Alex Ferguson fired in a brilliant long range strike.

Rose made some more changes as they went in search for an equaliser, with Keiran McGachie coming on to replace Kieran Mitchell, however Schiavone would add East Fife's third and his second of the game on 67 minutes, a 5 minute period that was hard to watch for the Rose faithful. Currie and Grigor soon made way for Ross Gray and Bradley Barrett as Rose tried to fight their way back into the game, but it was a second goal from Ferguson at the end which capped off a great second half performance from the Fifers, with Rose succumbing to a 4-1 defeat.

A frustrating result given Tuesday night's performance, but Rose can find a distraction from League football as they begin their Scottish Cup campaign with a trip to Sauchie Juniors next Saturday.