“Absolutely outstanding, a tremendous team spirit and a massive three points. But we have to back that up. There’s no point getting a result here today and not getting three points next week against Stranraer.”

The tone has been set by the gaffer ahead of Stranraer’s visit to New Dundas Park on Saturday, following on from last weekend’s massive result against Albion Rovers.

The team’s trip to Cliftonhill was settled by Kieran Mitchell’s left-footed strike in the second half. The 1-0 win granted Rose their first victory over The Rovers this season following three defeats from three, and lifted the club off the bottom of cinch League Two.

Andy Rodden made his first start for Rose following his loan arrival at the end of February and put in a strong shift throughout on the left flank, whilst Ross Gray made his 199th Rose appearance and could make a landmark 200th this Saturday.

The Rose now reside in 9th spot in the league standings; one point ahead of the bested Coatbridge outfit and two points behind two-games-in-hand Elgin City. Sitting in 7th is Stranraer, our opponents at the weekend.

There’s yet to be a damp squib between the two this season, with drama and late scenes expected of the tie by this point.

A first meeting in August at Stair Park ended 2-2 following Lee Currie’s 98th minute penalty equaliser, a festive clash in December finished 3-2 to Rose in Boomtown and a narrow 1-0 Rose victory was secured in February by Alieu Faye’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Following that third league meeting, Jamie Hamill’s men have picked up their form. Only one defeat – to title chasing Dumbarton – have come in the six games since, with three wins and two draws rounding out the cluster of games.

James Hilton likes to cause problems in attack and is the visitors’ highest goal scorer and assist leader. The 25-year-old winger has found the net seven times and teed up his teammates on three occasions in the league this season.

Meanwhile at the back, centre-back Craig Ross has the unwanted record of the joint-most red cards received in the division this season, with the first of the trio coming against Rose during our first ever meeting in August.

A goalless draw versus the typically free scoring Annan Athletic on Saturday will have boosted morale that little bit more and demonstrated The Blues’ strong home form – the third-best in the division.

On the road, however, Stranraer have the worst points and goal difference record in the league. A good stat for the Rosey Posey heading into the home tie but, as we know from the campaign so far, nothing can be taken for granted!

Kick-off is 3pm at New Dundas Park on Saturday. Tickets are £12 for Adults (17-65) and £7 for Concessions (Disabled/Carer, 12-16 & O65s), whilst U12s with a paying adult go free. Season tickets are valid.

Important match information for all supporters is available from this link.

Let’s get behind the lads during the most crucial stage of our historic debut SPFL campaign… ‘Mon the Rose!

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