Written by Harry Robertson

The trip to Stair Park was new manager Calum Elliot’s first game in charge for Bonnyrigg Rose and was a massive game for the club as they fight to stay out of the danger zone in the League 2 table. Earlier this year it was a 0-0 draw at New Dundas Park between the two teams.

Calum made 4 changes to the starting line-up with captain Kerr Young back from injury, Ross Gray and Bradley Barrett in midfield and Kieran McGachie up front.

The Rose started the game well with lots of possession and a couple of chances within the first 15 minutes. There was some nice play down the wing from Barrett and a shot at goal from Callum Connolly, however both failed to trouble the Stranraer keeper.

The momentum took a swing in the home teams direction as they created a few chances themselves with Deryn Lang shooting on target twice forcing Paddy Martin to work hard, keeping it all square.

Just before the end of the first half, Angus Mailer playing with confidence, had a powerful run from the halfway line, taking a strike from just inside the box but failed to hit the target as it sailed over the bar. Half time remained at a 0-0 deadlock.

Once again The Rose started the second half positively as Bradley created another chance with a good strike on the volley but again it missed the target and didn't trouble the goalkeeper.

The first change of the game came after 55 minutes as the Rose replaced Ross Gray with Conor Doan.

The Rose continued to create chances with Doan taking a shot followed by Connolly inside the box, aiming at the top corner, but neither hit the back of the net.

The pressure proved too much for the Stranraer defence and they gave away a foul in the box, rewarding The Rose with a penalty. Neil Martyniuk stepped up and was cool from the spot putting the Rose in front after 75 minutes.

The visitors only held the lead for 10 minutes when Stranraer scored a well worked goal from the left side, as Dolan played the ball into the box and an unmarked Lang took a great header into Martin’s top right corner. Back to deadlock, 1-1, with 5 minutes to go.

Both sides continued to fight hard but neither team had a chance to score again and the game ended 1-1 at Stair Park.

This was a promising start for new manager Calum and his team, gaining a crucial point for the League. Both teams are now hold 31 points.

Bonnyrigg Rose's next game is at home on Saturday 6th April 2024 where they play Peterhead. They will be looking for a win, hoping to gain a very important 3 points.

C'Mon the Rose!