Bonnyrigg Rose played their first league fixture of 2023 on Saturday afternoon as they welcomed Albion Rovers to New Dundas Park in what was an afternoon to forget for the home fans. Two changes were made from the side that defeated Stranraer 3-2 before Christmas as Jonny Stewart returned to the side after serving a suspension along with Dean Brett.

Following a minute's applause to remember Rose Supporter Norman Walton, the action got underway and the visitors started as they meant to go on with Charlie Reilly showing some attacking intent as his speculative effort from range was flashed wide. He would get his first goal of the game on six minutes as he put his side in front with a great curled finish. Rose tried to find a response as Kieran Mitchell got in behind but his lob was cleared off the line with a great bit of last ditch defending. Reilly almost got his second straight from a corner kick but Mikey Andrews was alert to spot the danger and tip it over. Rose were next to go close as Kev Smith got on to the end of a loose ball ahead of the Rovers keeper and poked the ball towards Ross Gray who fired his shot low and was comfortably collected by Jack Leighfield. Conor Doan was next to go close after a great free kick was turned around the far post by Leighfield. As Rose piled on the pressure for an equaliser they were hit hard before the break as Jamie Leslie would put Rovers 2-0 on 37 minutes, and just 3 minutes later Luke Graham's deflected effort deceived Andrews in the Rose net and allowed Albion Rovers to take a 3-0 lead into half time leaving Bonnyrigg Rose shellshocked.

A triple change at half time showed intent to attack the second half with purpose for Rose as Alan Horne, Lee Currie and Callum Connolly replaced Jonny Stewart, Dean Brett and Ross Gray. The second half began in similiar fashion to the first as Leslie tried for his second but it was curled beyond the post. The visitors had shut up shop as they knew they had a hold over the game given the scoreline and a good solo run from Kerr Young was the only real chance for the home side in the second period. Albion Rovers were awarded a penalty late on which allowed Reilly to get his second of the game and resign Bonnyrigg Rose to a 4-0 defeat on the first league game of 2023

Bonnyrigg Rose will hope to bounce back when they welcome Stirling Albion to New Dundas Park on Saturday 14th January.