Rose Take Massive Leap Towards Safety

Written by James McKenzie

Bonnyrigg Rose were looking to spoil Stenhousemuir's title party when they made the trip to Ochilview to take on Gary Naysmith's side.

After a heartbreaking late goal saw Bonnyrigg Rose lose at home to Spartans the week prior, Calum Elliot made 3 changes to the team as the injured Angus Mailer alongside Ross Gray and Keiran McGachie dropped out in place of Scott Mercer, Conor Doan and Smart Osadolor.

Rose had the better of the chances in the early stages as Conor Doan saw his volley in the box blocked and then cleared, with a Scott Mercer free-kick also being claimed by Darren Jamieson.

Rose continued in search of an opener with Smart Osadolor latching onto a fizzed Dean Watson cross, but the forward was unable to force it past Jamieson.

The newly-crowned champions showed their teeth for the first time as Matty Yates went close, his curling effort narrowly missing the mark.

It wouldn't be long afterwards that they would get the goal that the home side were looking for, as Gregor Buchanan rose highest to meet a corner and the Stenny captain buried the chance to bring the hosts in front.

The Buchanan goal was all that stood between the two sides at half-time, 45 minutes of football that provided plenty of encouragement for the travelling supporters despite the scoreline.

Robbie McGale came onto the field in place of Conor Doan at half-time, and Rose immediately went on the offensive as Bradley Barrett saw his long-range effort flash just wide of Jamieson's left post.

Rose thought that they would have equalised when they were awarded a penalty after Reis Peggie was brought down in the area. However, usual penalty hero Neil Martyniuk was denied by a brilliant save from Jamieson.

Rose would soon get their just rewards for an impressive performance as after some smart play from substitute Keiran McGachie, Barrett was on hand to get the final touch to steer the ball over the line, thus bringing Rose level in the game.

The travelling support almost had a winning goal to cheer as Dean Watson almost grabbed a late winner, but the draw all but secures Bonnyrigg Rose's cinch League Two status for another season.

Bonnyrigg Rose will be playing their final fixture of the cinch League Two season next Saturday when they welcome the visit of Forfar Athletic to New Dundas Park.