Written by Gregor Bruce

Bonnyrigg Rose returned to league action after a narrow win in the East of Scotland Cup first round away to Dunbar last week.

Calum Elliot had a much changed side for this week’s match with five changes, including Kieran Sommerville making his return after injury, Angus Mailer deployed at right-back, and several midfield changes with Lee Currie, Kallum Higginbotham, and Sean Murphy brought back into the side.

Rose dominated the first half, offering a physical game plan focused on gaining momentum early. They created their first chance just 40 seconds into the game, with Neil Martyniuk volleying over the Edinburgh City goal. Rose's best opportunity of the half came through Kallum Higginbotham in the 14th minute, who tested Mark Weir early on. Kerr Young had a headed chance from a corner in the 40th minute, which the Edinburgh City goalkeeper saved. Neil Martyniuk made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Edinburgh City's Connor Young a goal-scoring opportunity, displaying Rose's strong physical defending. They gave little to no chances to the visitors throughout the first half.

Bonnyrigg Rose brought on Callum Connolly for the injured Sean Murphy in the second half, aiming to continue their dominant spells of possession from the first half. Cammy Ross gave Rose the lead in the 70th minute, nodding home after combining with Lee Currie from a corner. Connolly converted from another dangerous corner from Currie in the 85th minute to secure the 2-0 victory.

Rose will look to continue their winning ways when they face Mick Kennedy’s East Kilbride F.C. at K-Park Stadium next Saturday in the 2nd round of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup.

C'Mon the Rose!