Match Preview

Bonnyrigg Rose will be turning their attention back to cup action as they make the trip to Cliftonhill to face Lowland League side Albion Rovers.

Rose will be encouraged by the return to winning ways on Tuesday evening against East Fife as a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the Fifers saw Rose move within 2 points of the play-off places.

Rose have already surpassed last year's Scottish Cup efforts as they saw their way through a tough trip up north to face Fraserburgh in the second round. It was an incredible goal from Angus Mailer to put Rose ahead before a free-kick from Ryan Cowie brought the home side level in the 92nd minute.

Rose eventually saw their way through the tie thanks to another phenomenal goal from Bradley Barrett 5 minutes into extra time and learned the following day that they would be returning to Coatbridge to face the Wee Rovers.

Albion Rovers saw their way past St Andrews United in the second round with Alexander mcCaw grabbing the winning goal in a game that saw red cards handed out to both sides.

The Wee Rovers aren't an unfamiliar opponent for Rose as the pair met 4 times last season, a season in which Albion Rovers were relegated from cinch League 2.

In those 4 meetings it was the Lowland League side that came out on top in 4 of them but in the final meeting between the pair it was a Kieran Mitchell strike that saw Rose take all 3 points from what was a must-win clash at the foot of the table.

If instant promotion back to the SPFL pyramid was the aim for the Wee Rovers this season, things aren't going to plan as they currently sit in 12th place. They have one win in their last five games, that coming against Caledonian Braves, and they aren't the same side that Rose faced last season.

Robbie Horn will have plenty to ponder over with regards to team selection as a change of shape and personnel on Tuesday evening contributed to the victory on the night, but securing the victory over the Fifers will do wonders for the confidence of the players as they put a winless run to bed.

If Rose can see their way through the trip to Cliftonhill and advance to the fourth round it could present the possibility of some mouth-watering match-ups against some of the cinch Premiership sides, something that will no doubt be used a motivation as Rose look to continue their Scottish Cup journey.