No Fireworks in top of the table clash:

In front of a large and boisterous home crowd  Newtongrange Star missed the opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the East Super League when they were beaten 1-0 by local rivals, and would be championship contenders, Bonnyrigg Rose.

The only goal came in the 7th minute and was a scrambled affair from a free kick resulting in Grady firing  a close range shot home after the Star Keeper Renton had made two terrific stops to deny the Bonnyrigg attack.

It was a typical local derby sometimes lacking in quality, but never in endeavour but there were few clear cut chances. The half chances that did come along fell mostly to the away side and a little more poise in front of goal might have seen them record a more emphatic win.

Newtongrange dominated for long periods of the first half but apart from a Dunn header from a King corner around the half hour mark,  failed to work the Rose goalkeeper Hay, who had an easy afternoon. However, Rose always carried a threat on the counter with Grady and Renton prominent. To their credit both teams tried hard to play football on a pitch that was difficult but stood up well.

The second half started brightly for Star with King and Cropley dominating  the midfield but the introduction of the transfer listed Gemmill on the hour and the admirable Archibald five minutes later, saw Bonnyrigg regain the upper hand in that key area and the longer the match went on the stronger they became. Jamieson worked hard up front for Star but was able to create little.

Rose had no real failures on the day and their best performers were across the back with Murray on debut, catching the eye with his solid defensive display and willingness to join in with the attack. He will certainly be an asset in the remaining league and cup fixtures.

This defeat for Star damages their Championship hopes but their recent run of victories still sees them in pole position with points in the bag. Nearest rival Bo'ness are still involved in all the cups and might well encounter fixture congestion if they continue to or progress on all fronts.

As for Rose they showed again that they are a force away from home and remain on the fringes of contention- others will have to slip for them to get right back into things-  but they have now recorded their first win of 2014 and will draw confidence from that.

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter