Bonnyrigg Rose got their 2023/24 pre-season prep underway with a hard-fought win over WOSFL side Pollok FC.

The fixture provided the chance for Rose to get some minutes in the legs ahead of a busy upcoming schedule and also allowed the travelling Rose fans their first look at some of the new boys brought in so far in the summer transfer window. Reis Peggie and Dean Watson both saw their first starts for the club as well as two trialists in the starting 11 who were eager to impress and they did just that.

Trialist 20 saw a handful of chances fall his way in the early stages but was unable to provide the finishing touch required to put Rose ahead.

Lee Currie threatened from a set-piece scenario soon after with his powerful strike cannoning off of the outside of the post.

Rose's early pressure would pay off soon enough though as Trialist 20 made his chance count as he showed the composure required to poke the ball beyond Ben Fry.

The one goal lead wasn't enough for Rose as they continued their early onslaught and they got a penalty as their reward in the 14th minute as Trialist 20 was bundled over. Rose were unable to add to their advantage from the spot however as Fry leaped into action to deny Neil Martyniuk.

Watson was next to test Fry as he flashed the ball across goal from a tight angle. The game started to get more competitive after the half hour mark as Pollok started to grow into the game.

Paddy Martin was called into action a few times having to rush out and prevent a Pollok equaliser. The Rose defence stood strong and took a 1-0 lead into the break following an impressive performance.

Rose started the second period of play similar to the first with a flurry of early chances. However, it would be the home side that struck back with Darren Christie converting from the penalty spot.

The Lok looked to build upon that equaliser and went in search of a second and they seemed to have Rose on the ropes. Martin made a fantastic reflex save to deny Grant Anderson's header.

Rose would soon galvanise as a whole host of substitutions began to settle into the game and pushed for the winner which they would get with 5 minutes to go.

Some good play from Peggie down the left won a corner and from that resulting set-piece a mix-up in the box led to new-man Angus Mailer firing home the winning goal.

It was a hard-fought win but one that will give Rose a boost heading into the new season.

Bonnyrigg Rose will next be in action on Tuesday night at New Dundas Park as they welcome the visit of Falkirk FC.