Goals from Jay McGarva, Gregor Nicol, Rudi Bryce and a halfway line half-volley from Kallum Higginbotham helped Rose sweep aside Tranent, and progress into the final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

Jonny Stewart made three changes from the 4-0 win over Hearts B last Saturday, with Alassan Jones and Kallum Higginbotham dropping to the bench, and Josh Laing dropping out of the matchday squad entirely. They were replaced by Gregor Nicol, Laurie Devine and Rudi Bryce.

A quick start for Rose saw a corner given, Lee Currie whipped the ball in towards Laurie Devine, who headed it down towards McGarva who smacked it home to make it 1-0 just 3 minutes into the tie.

Shortly after, Cammy Mckinley had his first chance of the game for Tranent, when he had the chance to shoot from just outside the 18 yard box, fortunately it was straight at Ross Connelly who saved comfortably.

On 8 minutes, Connelly found Cammie Ross with a long pass, he knocked it down to Rudi Bryce who took on 5 Tranent players, chipped it over the top of the last l defender and found Gregor Nicol, who coolly slotted it past Kelby Mason to make it 2-0.

Cammie Ross turned provider on 20 minutes, playing a lovely switch ball toward Rudi Bryce on the right wing. Rudi drove forward into the box and finished it past Kelby Mason in the Tranent net to make it 3-0 to the home side 20 minutes in. Tranent had a large share of possession until half time but couldn’t threaten Connelly in the Rose goal.

The second half started as the first finished - with Tranent seeing plenty of the ball. Guy McGarry had an early effort, which rattled off Ross Connelly's crossbar and behind for a goal kick. Tranent continued to have possession for much of the second half but the Rose defence stayed resolute.

Substitute Alassan Jones nearly scored our fourth of the night on the 83rd minute, hitting a powerful effort from just outside the area and rattling Mason’s crossbar.

Ryan Porteous was reintroduced to the NDP faithful, making his first appearance this season, after being sidelined with an injury for a number of months.

Rose soon had their fourth and in some style! MacKenzie Scott won a loose header on the center circle and the ball landed perfectly for a half-volley opportunity for Kallum Higginbotham. Higgy channelled his inner Kenny McLean and, from the halfway line, strikes it on the half-volley, over Kelby Mason and straight into the back of the net to make it 4 and send the home crowd into raptures!

Full time came shortly after and Jonny Stewart's side will play Camelon Juniors in the final, with the date, location and time TBC.

We face Celtic B at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie on Saturday, with a 3pm Kick off.