In this the last of 3 games in 6 days schedule for Bonnyrigg, it was a tired looking starting line up that faced a fresh Spartans side desperate to cling onto the coat tails of the leaders. The Rose players may have been tired but the spirit of the squad showed through as they battled hard to take all 3 points and return to the top of the table. For gaffer Robbie Horn it was confirmation of the determination he speaks proudly off that shone through against a tough Spartans side containing a couple of ex Rose players and it was those players who almost undid the Rose on Friday night.

Boss Horn started the game with the same line up which overcame University of Stirling on Tuesday night but the effects on that game were soon to be seen as they started sluggishly. In front of a good crowd it was the home team who took the lead when ex Rose defender Dean Hoskins slammed home a 8th minute free kick for the opening goal of the game. The large away support in attendance didn't have too long to wait for a response as 5 minutes later Jonny Brown smacked home the equaliser and it was game on. Bonnyrigg got their 2nd wind and began dominating the game with Spartans content to have 10 men behind the ball and let the Rose have possession. Then against the run of play in a breakaway they forced the Rose defence onto the back foot, allowing ex Rose striker Aaron Murrell to slide the ball past Mark Weir in goal and restore and restore their lead.

Into the 2nd half and Spartans found a rhythm that was lacking in the opening 45 minutes. Bonnyrigg were now looking decidedly wobbly on their feet. They weathered that period and the spirit the supporters expected began to show. They have a tremendous will to win that has been like an extra man at times and it showed again on Friday. They fought and battled for every ball using tired legs, pushing themselves harder and harder for an equaliser. Spartans did have chances but the Rose defence held firm and pushed forward at every opportunity. Again and again Spartans had 10 men behind the ball as they looked to see out the fixture. As the game drew to a conclusion Bonnyrigg piled on the pressure and were rewarded in the 89th minute when Ewan Moyes rose above everyone to head home a corner from Lee Currie. At this point a draw looked the obvious outcome but with injury time running out Johnny Brown took a ball from Currie and drilled home a 20 yard effort into the top corner for a dramatic last kick winner because, once Spartans had kicked off , the referee blew for full time and it was an elated Bonnyrigg side that took the applause from a rapturous away support.

A fabulous game of football, enjoyed by a big crowd, on a cold night, with both sets of players producing a night to remember. Bonnyrigg’s fighting spirit showed through in spades. They never know when they are beaten and never give up the fight and are a delight to watch and support. The adventure continues.

Robbie’s Interview:

“It was an unbelievable finish to the game. I’ve spoken so many times before about it, but this squad has a superb team spirit and togetherness about them. They are an incredible group of talented players who never give up. That’s a quality they have built and it’s nothing to do with the manager it’s they themselves that deserve the credit. They've done this so many times before over the last few years where they have managed to snatch a late equaliser or later winner, it's not just luck it's spirit and desire and a sign of a good side who don't know when they are beaten. It's massive 3 points for us, we looked a bit leggy after Tuesday and we weren't at our best and to their credit Spartans played well. We can now start to concentrate on next Saturday and the challenge that brings. We are under no illusions how difficult a game it's going to be as Montrose are a really good side but we are looking forward to the game.”

Spartans: Carswell, Davidson, Hoskins, Bolochoweckyj, Corbett, Scott, Brown, McFarland, Murrell, Maxwell (Reid), Atkinson (Makavora). Subs: Smith, Woods, Dawson, Allan, Peden.

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

Bookings: Spartans: Atkinson, McFarland, Reid.

Bonnyrigg: R Gray, Martynuik, Currie.

Referee: David Dickinson

Att: 347