Written by Stephen Reid

For our Next Match we travel to the Vanloq Community Stadium (Ainslie Park) to face The Spartans in out latest William Hill League 2 fixture.

Last time “The Rose” went down to a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Forfar Athletic at NDP .

The first half didn’t present many chances, as both teams battled for possession.

In the 16th minute, Lee Currie tested McCallum with a powerful low-driven free kick, forcing the Forfar goalkeeper into a save.

Forfar took the lead in the 30th minute when McAllister unleashed a strike from distance, leaving McNeil with no chance

Rose created more significant chances in the second half, with the best opportunities falling to Keiran McGachie and Kerr Young—McGachie in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and Young’s header being cleared off the Forfar goal line.

However, Forfar sealed the victory in the 80th minute with a second goal following a deflection off the Rose backline.

New signing McNeil produced some excellent saves in the final 10 minutes, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a frustrating afternoon for Rose.

Manager Calum Elliot will be looking for the team to get back to winning ways as we go into the final 10 games of the League campaign and we will need the full support of all of our fans as we enter this vital period.

The Spartans faced Forfar Athletic in Edinburgh under the lights in a rearranged League 2 fixture which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Forfar took a 38th minute lead with a free kick and held the lead until a 55th minute Spartans leveller.

Both sides had chances to claim the 3 points, but the match ended with the points being shared.

In the last match between the sides played under the lights at NDP the points were shared after a 2-2 draw.

It was Rose who struck first on the night, as Neil Martyniuk gave his side the lead in the 4th minute after they were awarded a penalty.

Martyniuk coolly converted, sending Carswell the wrong way.

Rose controlled much of the possession in the first half, but Spartans brought the game level in the 39th minute, leaving the teams square at the break.

The second half continued with a similar tempo.

Henderson came extremely close to scoring as his shot rattled the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

Rose regained their lead early in the half with a brilliant team goal, featuring lovely skill from Arnott to bypass the Spartans’ midfield. Arnott set up Barrett, who applied the finishing touch to make it 2-1.

However, Spartans were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute, which Henderson converted to secure his brace and level the game once again.

The Spartans (last 5 league results)

25/02/25 = The Spartans 1-1 Forfar Athletic
22/02/25 = Clyde 0-2 The Spartans
15/02/25 = Edinburgh City 5-0 The Spartans
08/02/25 = The Spartans 0-1 East Fife
04/02/25 = Stirling Albion 1-3 The Spartans

Bonnyrigg Rose (last 5 league results)

22/02/25 = Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 Forfar Athletic
15/02/25 = East Fife 1-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
08/02/25 = Bonnyrigg Rose 3-4 Peterhead
04/02/25 = Elgin City 3-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
01/02/24 = Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Clyde

The Spartans v Bonnyrigg Rose (league h2h results this season)

21/01/25 = Bonnyrigg Rose 2-2 The Spartans
10/08/24 = The Spartans 2-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

Referee: Gary Hanvidge
AR1Gordon Crawford
AR2Will Pare

**Next Match we return home to NDP to play Edinburgh City in William Hill League 2 (Saturday 8th March) Kick Off 3pm**

In squad news The Rose welcomed Murray Aiken to the squad on loan for the remainder of the season and Lucas Stenhouse returned to his home club, Livingston before being loaned out to Bo'ness United. We thank Lucas for his short time at the club and wish him well for the future.