Daniel Baur in warning to Bonnyrigg Rose team-mates ahead of Lowland League title race showdown with Kelty Hearts

Daniel Baur celebrates his goal against Caledonian Braves

Bonnyrigg Rose defender Daniel Baur says there is no margin for error this weekend as they head across the Forth for a top-of-the-table clash against Kelty Hearts.

That has been the theme so far for both clubs this season with the Fife outfit three points better off at the top having won 22 of their 23 league fixtures. They have, however, played a game more than tomorrow’s visitors.

Victory for Rose at New Central Park, however, would draw Robbie Horn’s side level and put them in the driving seat to go on and claim their first Lowland League title and a crack at promotion to Ladbrokes League Two.

Baur, who is on loan from Hearts and scored the winner in last weekend’s narrow 3-2 win over Caledonian Braves, said: “There’s been a lot of hype about this one but we won’t be changing anything and will just play our normal game. We know they have good players but so do we and we’ll be going out there to do what we’ve done all season.

“There’s still a lot of good teams to play but with just eight matches left to play, there’s no getting away from how big tomorrow is.

“I think these two games in the space of four weeks [the two clubs meet at New Dundas on March 28] could have a big say in who goes on to win the league.

“Both teams have been on incredible runs this season but I don’t think we can afford to drop many more points.

“We got through last week. It was a real battle being pegged back twice but we managed to get a late winner and I was delighted to get it.”

Baur revealed he hasn’t had any contact with Hearts boss Daniel Stendel since the German was appointed in December. And, with the 20-year-old’s contract set to expire in June, Baur says he is keen to sit down with the ex-Barnsley boss to discuss his future – but only after he has helped steer Bonnyrigg to the title.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bonnyrigg and just getting back to playing football,” he said. “Last year was tough for me as I had a lot of injuries but since coming to Bonnyrigg I’ve been playing week in, week out. I’ve come on leaps and bounds in a short space of time.

“I haven’t had the chance to speak with him [Stendel]. His main priority is to get them winning football matches again. Hopefully at some point I can sit down with him and see where my future lies.

“At the moment I’m just concentrating on football at Bonnyrigg. We’re playing for a league title so that’s my focus.

It’s been hard for Hearts recently. I have no doubt the boys there are working hard every day to try and turn things in their favour. Hopefully, they can start to pick up some results and climb the table.”