Braves come unstuck against Bonnyrigg Rose

Caledonian braves suffered a 2-1 defeat to 3rd placed Bonnyrigg Rose, after a hard-fought content at Alliance Park.

Coming into the game 3 games unbeaten Ricky Waddell’s side were in good form and were looking forward to a tough test against Bonnyrigg Rose. Captain Ross Lindsay returned to start in the middle of the park and Jack Duncan made his first appearance of the season, coming in at right back. Jamie Watson, Marc Kelly and Jack Hart were all unavailable.

The game got off to the perfect start for the home side. Luke Main battled hard to win the ball before dancing his way through the Bonnyrigg defence, composed himself and calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-0 with only 3 minutes played.

Bonnyrigg burst into action after conceding and within 7 minutes found an equaliser. Some great play down the right wing saw a ball fizzed into the Braves box, the Rose striker flung himself at it producing a back heel volley that crashed off the crossbar and fell straight into the path of an onrushing attacker. 1-1.

Both teams were here to go for the win and it showed on the park. Popping the ball about well and working it side to side, Bonnyrigg enjoyed most of the possession leading up to half time. However, Braves stayed strong and limited them to few clear-cut chances whilst always remaining threatening on the counterattack.

With no changes at the Break the second half began much the same as the first, except Braves were pressing higher up the park from the get-go. Enjoying more of the ball this half Braves rallied and looked more threatening. Rhys Armstrong superbly dribbled past his opponent in the middle of the park and looked to be away, before being hauled down and stopped in his tracks. The Bonnyrigg player taking one for the team and receiving a booking for his efforts.

Caledonian Braves were defending resolutely as Bonnyrigg piled on the pressure. Throwing themselves at any crosses that came their way Braves were looking good for a hard-earned point. However, set pieces have been their Achilles heel this season and it proved no different this time around. With ten minutes to play Bonnyrigg fizzed in a great corner that was met by a towering header, the big centre half made no mistake for Rose and put the away side 2-1 Infront.

Bonnyrigg showed their experience in the last minutes of the game, staying compact as Braves threw everyone up the pitch to grab and equaliser. The away side, however, saw out the game well by slowing the game down and keeping the ball in the corner of the pitch.

Overall, Braves will be very disappointed to lose by a set piece goal. There is still plenty of positives to take from the performance, considering they more than matched a team sitting 3rd in the league and pushing for promotion this season. Bonnyrigg just knew how to win but Braves will feel they done enjoying earning something from the game.

Next up for Ricky Waddell’s side is an away trip to Gala Fairydean Rovers, on Saturday 14th August, 3pm.

1. Lewis Duffy 

2. Jack Duncan 

3. Jamie Walker 

4. Gavin Lachlan (87' Testa)

5. Scott Forrester 

6. Jack McDowall

7. Ross Lindsay 

8. Rhys Armstrong 

9. Cole Starrs 

10. Zac Butterworth 

11. Luke Main (78' McLear)

Substitutes:

12. Chris Henry

14. Lewis McLear 

15. Amaury Testa 

16. Jack Brown