Bonnyrigg Rose fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Civil Service Strollers in the Lowland League East.

Manager Jonny Stewart made three changes to his starting line up following the loss to League One side East Kilbride in the KDM Evolution Trophy on Tuesday night. Kieran Somerville made his return to the squad, and Taylor Hogarth got the green light to start against the Strollers. New signing Scott Robinson made his debut in the team after signing from Arbroath earlier in the day.

And it was the experienced Robinson who created the first chance for Bonnyrigg and came closest to an opener after a sleek move forward, but his effort just went wide of the post.

After 26 minutes, Bonnyrigg looked to the bench as Aidan Martin replaced Kerr Young. The defender having picked up a slight knock.

Before the half-time whistle, Josh Laing charged down the right-hand side and linked up with Jordan Smith, who placed a tempting ball into the box, which landed nicely for Taylor Hogarth, who just lost footing and couldn’t get a clear shot away.

Into the second half, all the chances were Rose’s. Laurie Devine fed Scott Robinson a brilliant ball, but the Civil Service Stroller made an excellent challenge to deny him the opener.

Shortly after, St Mirren loanee Taylor Hogarth had a brilliant effort from the edge of the box, but it just grazed the crossbar.

After 62 minutes, Bradley Barrett made his return to action from the subs bench following an injury to Alassan Jones. Rose’s luck with injuries is showing no signs of improvement.

After 73 minutes, it was the home side who grabbed the first goal of the game. Tuacenio Santos managed to turn the defence inside out with clever play in the box and struck the goal with sheer force. There were calls for offside by the Rose defence, but the flag wasn’t raised by the assistant referee.

After the Strollers broke the deadlock, Laurie Devine was replaced by Macky Scott in an attempt to ask some more questions of their robust defence.

In the 80th minute, Ross Clarke scored the second and final goal for the Strollers to finish off the match.

As the referee blew his whistle to end the match, there was disappointment for The Rose. Not only a defeat but also some injuries that could stretch the squad in the weeks ahead.

Rose will have the chance to pick themselves up and bag a few more vital league points in the Lowland League East in a double fixture game week. Travelling to Gala Fairydean Rovers on Wednesday evening with a return home on Saturday against the University of Stirling for a 3 pm kick-off.

Photo Credit - Karol Koczta