Tranent And Bonnyrigg Leagues Apart

A much changed Bonnyrigg Rose team put a Tranent side, reduced to ten men early on, to the sword in a clinical display of attacking football. The gulf between the two sides was obvious and the tie over as a contest before half time. To Tranent's credit they never stopped trying and put just a little respectability on the score line in the second half, although the suspicion was that Rose took their foot of the gas with bigger prizes to look forward to.

Bonnyrigg Rose arrived at Foresters Park on the verge of claiming another McBookie.com East Super League - one win in their last three games will probably do it as they have a superior goal difference to their nearest challengers, Kelty Hearts. Tranent Juniors on the other hand,  have already secured the McBookie.com South Division Title and promotion to the East Premier League. So the scene was set for two of the season's most successful sides to clash in this quarter final tie of the Fife and Lothians Cup. There was a bumper crowd in attendance and a good atmosphere at kick off time.

The early exchanges gave no indication of what was to come and perhaps the Rose side was taking time to settle with so many changes. However, everything changed after 11 minutes. A ball was chipped into the area where Wojtowczy was adjudged to have denied Tobin an obvious goal scoring opportunity. Referee Simon MacLean dismissed the left back and awarded a penalty. Gray stepped forward and fired the spot kick wide of the left post!

However, it was a game changing moment. Tranent faced a huge task with a full side but a man down gave them a mountain to climb.

After thirteen minutes, a shaken Tranent showed their defensive fragility. A poor pass back allowed Kidd a shooting chance, but he blasted over. Next a Gray shot was blocked for a corner. From the kick Young headed straight at Inglis in the home goal.

Tranent eventually lifted the siege for a minute when they won a corner which Rose dealt with comfortably.

With nineteen minutes played, Rose's Donaldson had a snap shot well tipped over before at the other end a McMillan attempt drifted just wide.

With 21 minutes gone the break through came. Gray crossed from the right, Donaldson nodded the ball back across goal and TOBIN supplied the finish. No real surprise as the visitors were knocking the ball around impressively.

In Rose's next attack McGachie tried a shot but it was easy for Inglis. The lead was nearly doubled in the next attack. Tobin's clever  ball to Donaldson was flicked onto the outside of the post. Seconds later Inglis had to rush from his goal to deny McGachie who was played in by Kidd.

The second goal came after 28 minutes. MCGACHIE  robbed Gordon and fired past Inglis. It was symptomatic of the lower league team needing too much time on the ball.

After thirty five minutes, Manson had a chance for Tranent but his effort from a tight angle drifted past the far post. 

Rose's third came after 40 minutes. The impressive Brown brushed aside a Tranent forward  and burst forward before releasing DRUMMOND who had made ground quickly from the back. The defender finished well to end the match as a contest.

Right on the break the visitors added a fourth. The Bonnyrigg players played pinball in the box with the ball before MCGACHIE fired home

Half Time Tranent Juniors 0; Bonnyrigg Rose 4

Both teams made changes at the break with Tranent introducing  Flynn and Hunter for Manson and Patterson and Rose introducing Turner for Stewart.

However, it was normal service resumed with Horne shooting wide. After fifty minutes, Brown saw his header cleared off the line by Murray. It was only a temporary reprieve though and a minute later GRAY added a fifth for the visitors.

With fifty two minutes played, Turner set up Donaldson but he blasted over when he seemed certain to score.

It was simply damage limitation for Tranent now but after 66 minutes, they pulled a goal back. Miller supplying an acrobatic finish to give Andrews no chance.

The heat had completely gone out of the game with Bonnyrigg strolling through the closing quarter. There was one more goal when Miller brought down Donaldson. BROWN  stepped forward and easily despatched the spot kick.

This was a valuable learning experience for Tranent. The loss of a player early on had a huge impact and they saw just how far away they are from the top sides. It was a stroll in the evening sunshine for Rose after they got the third goal and an opportunity to use their full squad. The visitors had some fine performers on the night and showed the strength of their squad. Smith and Millar were best for Tranent.

Next up for Rose is a trip to Carnoustie Panmure where they could seal the title. Tranent are finished after a fine season and can now plan for life in the Premier League.

Full Time Tranent Juniors 1; Bonnyrigg Rose 6

Teams
Tranent Juniors
Inglis, Patterson, Wojtoeczy, Gordon, Smeaton, Miller, Manson, Smith, McMillan, Murray and Kayne Patterson Subs Beaton, Flynn, Hunter and Woods
Bonnyrigg Rose
Andrews, Brown, Drummond, Stewart, Young, Horne, Gray, Kidd, McGachie, Tobin and Donaldson Subs Turner, Nelson, McIntosh and McLaren

Referee
Simon McLean

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter