Bonnyrigg Rose 4-1 University of Stirling: Martyniuk nets brace in comeback win

Rose captain Neil Martyniuk scored twice in the second half to help Bonnyrigg Rose secure a convincing East of Scotland Qualifying Cup victory over the University of Stirling at New Dundas Park.

In spite of the flattering scoreline it was the visitors who took the lead within the opening ten minutes through rather scrappy means.

Euan Walker drifted infield from the right wing and clipped a ball in towards the back post, which was eventually turned home by Lewis Blane after his initial effort hit the crossbar.

The shock lead didn’t do much to phase Jonny Stewart’s side, who had rotated heavily from their weekend victory over Cumbernauld Colts.

It took all of four minutes for Rose to level the score through Rudi Bryce. Neil Martyniuk’s ball over the top was brought down by Bryce, who sat down both defender and goalkeeper with a clever faint before coolly slotting into the bottom corner.

The forward was a threat throughout the first half and could have very easily had another goal or two to his name.

Lee Currie came inches away from scoring in the closing stages of half time and was unlucky to see his 20 yard free kick clip the top of the crossbar.

With honours even at the interval, Bonnyrigg Rose came out with a point to prove in the second half and were immediately on the front foot.

The gung-ho approach paid off after fifty-three minutes through means of a set-piece.

Lee Currie’s dangerous in-swinging corner was met by a stooping Neil Martyniuk, who put his head where others would be scared to put a foot to brilliantly nod past Alex Sutherland for a 2-1 lead.

The same combination paid off again just ten minutes later, as another Currie corner caused chaos in the box before the Rose captain reacted quickest to smash home from close range.

Danny Dobbie and Ross Gray replaced the aforementioned Currie and Cameron Ross shortly after the goal.

Dobbie was unfortunately swiftly injured after coming on and made way for Alassan Jones.

Amidst all this, a spirited Stirling pushed for a way back into the match within minutes of conceding again but Marc Anderson and his defence were on hand to deal with the danger.

The University of Stirling nearly pegged one back with ten minutes to play with a free kick of their own, but Finlay Moffett struck the post from just outside the penalty area.

With virtually the last kick of the game, the Rose put the game beyond all doubts. Some neat play up the right wing led to Ross Gray’s effort being pushed away by Sutherland - only as far as Alassan Jones, who promptly fired into an empty net.

The 4-1 win seals progress through to the quarter-finals of the cup, where East of Scotland First Division leaders Armadale Thistle await the Rosey Posey.

Until then, Jonny Stewart’s men are back in action on Saturday, facing Civil Service Strollers at Christie Gillies Park.