Perhaps drawn in by the allure of a new stand constructed at New Dundas Park to protect seated spectators from the elements, an incredible 900-plus crowd converged on New Dundas Park – despite the bitterly cold temperature – on Saturday afternoon to witness Rose’s second league meeting of the season with league leaders Dumbarton.

Robbie Horn made three changes to the side that held Stenhousemuir to a draw a fortnight ago. Skipper Jonny Stewart sat out due to an accumulative yellow card suspension, while Ross Gray and George Hunter dropped to the bench. Dean Brett, Kieran Mitchell and Callum Connolly filled their spots in the starting XI.

After handing over the captain’s armband to Kevin Smith and following a successful scavenge to find some white socks, due to the visitor’s kit clash, the game was underway. And there was very nearly a dream start for the Rose after just four minutes.

Conor Doan floated in a free-kick from the corner of the penalty area after Ross Gray was fouled, with the returning Connolly able to jump highest to nod the ball back towards the front post. Bradley Barrett was quickest to react, and his powerful side-footed volley crashed off the crossbar and was promptly dealt with by a desperate Dumbarton defence.

The Sons soon threatened up the other end, however, ten minutes later. Gregg Wylde worked hard to get off a looping cross to Mikey Andrews’ back post, but Ryan Wallace was unable to divert his header into the net from a, in fairness, near-impossible angle.

A sky-high effort from the right foot of Barrett never troubled Sons ‘keeper Brett Long, but Andrews found himself tested when Ross MacLean, cutting inside from the left-hand side, attempted an audacious lob shot that would’ve crept underneath the bar if not for Mikey’s tip over.

Barrett, once again, found himself surging forward when a terrible crossfield Dumbarton free-kick was intercepted by Smith and soon laid out into the wide-man’s path. The onrushing Barrett lashed his thunderous strike wide of the near post.

A moment later, Smith was again turning provider, as he slipped Mitchell in behind defender Martin McNiff. The pacey forward utilised his speed to get beyond the centre-half and let off a smart, low driven effort that was well kept out by the outstretched right leg of Long.

Following a loud handball shout in the Sons penalty area, Rose soon were awarded a penalty right on the stroke of half-time. Barrett, once more, surged forward and was felled by Long inside the box. Neil Martyniuk stepped up and, as he typically does, slammed the ball beyond the opposition goalkeeper from twelve yards.

Following the interval, Rose kept pushing for another, but Long’s net seemed allergic to the ball. Both Mitchell and Smith were thwarted by Long stops, Alan Horne was denied by a sea of Dumbarton bodies, and a header from Barrett missed the target.

And these spurned chances soon came back to bite the Rose on the hour mark. A high, looping, rather unassuming cross slipped through the gloves of Andrews, bounced off an absolutely helpless Josh Grigor and rolled over the line to get the visitors back on level terms.

A tough ten minutes followed as Rose looked to rebound from the freak equaliser. Brave blocks from Horne and Martyniuk kept the score level, before Rose started to get the ball forward again.

A floated Doan corner was met in the air by Martyniuk, before Smith – on the spin and looking destined to put Rose back in front – was prevented by another fine Long stop. Brett soon saw a low strike, from yet another corner, cleared agonisingly off the line.

Despite an extremely promising and positive performance against the table-toppers, Rose only walk away with one point and remain 9th in cinch League Two. A trip to Methil to take on East Fife is pencilled in for next weekend and, after a tremendous backing today in the cold, we can’t wait to see you there.

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