A win is a win but the performance from Bonnyrigg fell short of the dizzy heights of earlier in the season and last season as they scraped an away 2 – 1 victory at Gretna.

Boss Robbie Horn was far from happy, “We were poor today. We were cruising first half without playing well and after taking a 2 goal lead we were looking to kick on in the second but that never happened. We gave them hope with a poor goal to concede and thankfully keeper Mark Weir was on top form.”

It was a new place to come to, a new team to face and a new challenge for the Rose as they continue to find this League a whole lot tougher than last season. Gretna started well with Rose keeper Weir called into action quickly as the home side looked for an opening. However it was Bonnyrigg who found the space and opportunity to grab the lead in the 13th minute when George Hunter raced onto a great through ball from Jonny Brown to outpace the chasing defence and slam the ball home.

They doubled their lead just before the half hour mark when once again Hunter raced onto a good ball on the bye line before turning it back for Jamie Devlin to knock home from 6 yards. A poor first half from the Rose but still a 2 goal cushion was something to build on.

Bonnyrigg started the second period smartly and the visiting support were looking for the team to grab a 3rd and finish the game off; sadly they were disappointed. Gretna weathered the storm and with a quarter of an hour remaining they pulled a goal back when sub Dean Makunike smashed one home and from then on pressed hard for the equaliser, with Bonnyrigg having to defend deep. It was then that keeper Weir rose to the challenge producing a handful of terrific stops to preserve their lead.

As the referee blew for full time it was a relieved Bonnyrigg side that trooped off the field with all 3 points intact.

Mark Weir was voted Man of the Match for his stirring performance and was delighted after the game, “I’m very happy with the 3 points today as we didn’t play as well as we can but its 3 points and we go back up the road happy with that. We had our backs against the wall for a while and I had some saves to make but it’s a team game and the lads in front did their job as well. We now look forward to Tuesday and another chance to get our form back.”

Robbie’s Interview.

We struggled today and I’m disappointed with the way we played. We didn’t get that important 3rd goal today and when they pulled the goal back it gave them confidence. We can talk about the park etc but our decision making today was poor and we lacked quality to our play. We almost paid the price for that. I don’t like to criticise the players too much because I know they are disappointed too. They have have had a fantastic start to the season and we are sitting in good position without playing at our best. I’m sure we will be back to top form soon. The most important thing is that we go up the road with 3 points and are still top of the league.”

Alan Horne
A milestone was reached on Saturday with 250th game for Mr Consistency himself, Alan Horne. The man who has played in almost every position for the club and a huge fans favourite reluctantly gave a short interview after the game. “It’s now 7 seasons at Bonnyrigg and it’s been a delight to play here. I signed from Tranent and was with them for 4 years so it’s been a while playing at this level. I think the only position I’ve not played is in goal. Max Christie once played me up front and I was like a fish out of water. I think I may have a couple of seasons left in me as I’m only 30 and when I look at the players around me maybe 3 or 4 (Laughs).”

Alan Horne has been a magnificent signing for the club. He is most definitely a fans favourite and when he does decide to hang his boots up he will be sorely missed by both players and supporters.

Gretna 2008; Copeland, Koroma, Pearson(Wadge), Jackson, Dickinson, Watson, Humphrey(Makunike), Holliday(Rogers), Smales, Connelly, Mata. Subs: Gueu, Brown.

Bonnyrigg Rose: Weir, Brett, Brown, Moyes, Horne, Turner(S Gray), Stewart, Currie, Martynuik, Hunter(Baur), Devlin(R Gray). Subs: Swanson, Docherty. Andrews.

Bookings. Gretna: Pearson, Smales, Dickinson.