Jordan Smith’s second half penalty was enough to see Rose progress to the round of 32 in the KDM Evolution Trophy, drawing 1-1 with The Spartans at Ainslie Park.

Jonny Stewart made three changes to the starting lineup that faced Gala Fairydean Rovers last weekend, with Aidan Martin making way for Kerr Young and Kieran Somerville replacing Ross Gray. Jordan Smith also replaced Scott Robinson.

The Rose gaffer was forced into a fourth change prior to kickoff as Robinson replaced an injured Bradley Barrett.

The first half played out as many would have expected. With both sides hoping to avoid defeat to keep their destiny in their own hands, chances were few and far between.

Jordan Smith had Rose’s best opportunity after breaking free down the left hand side before firing wide of Blair Carswell’s goal.

Ricardo Dinanga was a prominent threat to the Rose backline and he was able to create a number of opportunities for the hosts, but Marc Anderson was equal to the stray attempts.

Spartans upped the tempo in the second half and would have taken the lead in the early stages had it not been for a stunning block from Josh Laing.

Their persistence soon paid off, however, and after 65 minutes Dinanga found space in the box and drilled a low finish across goal and into the bottom corner for a 1-0 lead.

Rose didn’t let their heads drop and looked to put the pressure back on Spartans. Just minutes later, Laurie Devine charged onto a long ball into the penalty area and was brought down by his man.

Jordan Smith coolly rolled home the resulting penalty to level the score at 1-1.

Spartans came close to immediately restoring their advantage but brave defending from Neil Martyniuk and Marc Anderson helped keep out a flurry of efforts on goal.

Rose came close to producing a winner of their own in the closing stages. Laurie Devine’s mazy run ended with him firing over the crossbar and Josh Laing blasted wide from long range.

A 1-1 draw sees Bonnyrigg Rose finish 16th in the league phase of the competition, cementing a place in the round of 32. The draw will take place this Thursday at 1pm.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s Lowland League East clash against Cowdenbeath at the Racewall.