Edinburgh City were the visitors to New Dundas Park on Saturday for our third and final pre season match. Originally scheduled to get underway at 2pm, kick off was pushed back by 15mins due to an accident on the Edinburgh City bypass, that resulted in lengthy delays. It goes without saying that we hope everyone involved is safe and well.

Eventually the players emerged from their respective dressing rooms, our skipper Jonny Stewart joined by our special guest mascot for the day, Martin from Essex. We hope Martin and his stag party had a great weekend and all the very best for the big day when it arrives from everyone at the club.

Despite the sky threatening a downpour, the sun shone on NDP as the game kicked off. It was a lively opening ten or fifteen minutes, both teams were looking to get the ball down and play, with both creating a few half chances each. Ross Gray almost got the opener after City keeper Quate wanted a bit too much time on the ball, resulting in his clearance being charged down but fortunately for him, the ball ended up wide for a goal kick. A sign of things to come perhaps.

Rose began to take control of the game and created a number of decent chances. The first of which came just after the 20 minute mark when Angus Mailer went on a great driving run before being fouled on the edge of the box. Conor Doan stepped up to take the resulting free kick which looked destined for the top corner but Quate got across well to tip it around the post for a corner.

A few moments later Ross Gray done well in the middle of the park to find a Trialist, he linked up superbly with Dean Watson who found the space to get a powerful strike away from a tight angle but it flashed agonisingly past the post. Not long after that Watson again was involved as he showed great feet to work the space to get another strike away from the opposite side of the box this time. Quate got down quick to palm it away before smothering the ball at the feet of the on rushing Trialist.

On the half hour mark, Watson showed another bit of magic with more great footwork to win a corner. A trialist delivered a great ball into the box which was met by the head of Kerr Young but his header whistled past the wrong side of the post.

Despite Rose dominating, it was almost Edinburgh City that took the lead and they perhaps should have. Innes Murray done brilliantly down the right side before cutting the ball back to his team mate who had the simple task of directing the ball into the net, however he opted to take a touch as opposed to hitting it first time and the ball ended up being cleared to safety as the referee brought an end to the first half.

Alan Maybury introduced striker Ryan Shanley to the action at half time and he didn’t waste any time in making his mark. Just two minutes into the half and after failing to clear their lines, the Rose defence were punished as the ball fell to Shanley on the edge of the box and he brilliantly whipped it into the top corner. Paddy Martin could only get his finger tips to the ball as the visitors went ahead.

Rose reacted well to going behind and went straight up the other end and almost scored themselves. Dean Watson once more showed great feet to get away from the last man and with only Quate to beat, the Edinburgh keeper pulled off another impressive save. Quate’s defence then came to his rescue a few moments later as Angus Mailer, Trialist and Dean Watson all had pops at goal in quick succession, all three well blocked.

Ten minutes into the second half and Dean Watson finally got his reward for a fine performance. Just like in the opening minutes, Quate dwelled on the ball and the great work rate of a Trialist allowed him to charge down the keepers kick. The ball fell kindly to Watson on the edge of the box who nutmegged the defender before bending the ball into the net.

The Rose faithful barely had time to finish celebrating the equaliser before Edinburgh City were ahead again. A long punt up the park by Quate caught Grigor and Martin out and confusion between the two allowed Shanley to nip in and round the keeper to tap in for his and his teams second.

Into the final 20 minutes and both sides had a few half chances but as with most friendlies, the number of subs somewhat took the rhythm out of the game. Both sets of ultras continued to bang their drums and sing their songs to encourage the players but the game ended with no further scoring and Edinburgh City leaving Midlothian with a 2-1 win.

Another good run out and a display that should give encouragement to Robbie Horn. Plenty of chances were created against League One opposition and on another day, they might have been converted. Attention now turns to this Saturday and our first competitive game of the new season. We travel to Inverness for our first Viaplay Cup Group E fixture. Kick off at the Caledonian Stadium is 3pm and PATG admission for the game is

• Adults (17 - 65) - £15
• Concessions (over 65s, disabled, carer) £10
• Junior (Under 16s) £5

With a full supporters bus and no doubt others travelling by car and train, we look forward to seeing a big Rose crowd in the Highlands.

Mon the Rose

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