Rose Secure an Important 3 Points with Convincing 2-0 Victory Over Elgin City F.C.
Match Report written by Gregor Bruce

Bonnyrigg Rose entered this Cinch League 2 fixture against Elgin City with the previous three league games all resulting in draws, and the last meeting with Elgin up north this season resulting in a 2-0 defeat.

Robbie Horn made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against Stranraer, with January transfer Declan Byrne leading the attacking line and Ross Gray returning to the attacking midfield role. Angus Mailer has been deployed in a defensive midfield role in the past two weeks, showcasing an excellent work rate in Rose’s engine room.

To start the game, Elgin City had their best chance of the evening, with Dayshonne Golding firing a one-on-one with Paddy Martin in the middle of the goal. Rose took control of the first half, with Bradley Barrett hitting the side netting inches away from Bonnyrigg going ahead. In quick succession, Conor Doan capitalised on a mistake from Tom McHale's error in commanding his 6-yard box, slotting in to give Rose a lead 21 minutes into the first half.

Conor Doan continued his impressive performance at the start of the second half, scoring his second of the evening nine minutes in as he rifled home a half-volley in the bottom right from a brilliant, weighted cross from Reis Peggie finding him at the back stick. New signing at Right Back, Scott Mercer, has shown his versatility in recent weeks, posing as a calm head around the back and providing dangerous set pieces. He worked Tom McHale with a brilliant free-kick effort over the wall, followed by a superb save from the Elgin City stopper.

Rose employed brilliant game management, passing around the back and keeping a cool head, to see out the rest of the game. With fresh legs off the bench, skipper Jonny Stewart and Robbie McGale had Rose’s last chances of the night.

Rose will look to use this momentum in their 5th round Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup tie away to Aberdeen this Saturday to build on an already admirable cup run.

C'Mon the Rose!