Bathgate Thistle 1



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Striker

BONNYRIGG Rose reserved their best performance of the season so far with an excellent victory deservedly earning new boss Alan Miller his first three points in his first East Region Super League match beating the current Scottish Cup holders Bathgate Thistle who had boasted no fewer than eight ex Seniors including Andy McLaren as Trialist at No.7 in Midlothian’s top match of the day.

But it was Bonnyrigg who had all the aces in their pack with five star displays throughout their teamsheet. And just keeping the Rose on their toes they were due to visit Stenhousemuir in midweek for a friendly match before setting off this Saturday for their next Super League fixture away to Lochee United with seats on the bus available.

Last Saturday’s final outcome at New Dundas Park was a narrow 2-1 win for the Rose but in reality Thistle’s late, late goal was a consolation coming from a rare slip from Craig Coyle who, otherwise, had an outstanding game while top striker Sean Paliczka also missed the chance to put the Rose 2-0 up from the penalty spot just three minutes into that second half with Thistle trailing 1-0 at the break.

Super sub Dean Walker came off the bench to finally subdue the Jags with a crushing second goal for the Rose. It was a great game of high quality with both sides fully committed and both clubs eager to put League Cup frailties behind them.

The Rose pressed with an opening corner in four minutes but Thistle pushed them back and took some control. However, Bonnyrigg looked sharp in the tackle against the much vaunted visitors.

Bathgate were trying to stamp their authority on the game but Bonnyrigg, through the likes of midfield grafters David Burrell, Graeme McCaul and Darren Thomson battled so well in reply backed by a very impressive home defence led by rock solid Keith Salton and Ally Reid to deny Thistle any goal success.

In the 15th minute great play by Sean Paliczka set up a chance for McCaul but the pass eluded him in the end and also Burrell hit the resultant chance wide. Then a corner for Bathgate went right through the crowded Rose penalty area before a testing shot from Chris McFadzean was well handled by Coyle giving the Rose more confidence.

In 23 minutes Burrell again unluckily sliced a chance wide after excellent work from Darren Thomson.

Bathgate had solid spells of possession and pressure but could make nothing of it until a goal of the highest quality in 35 minutes put the battling Rose in front.