Stephen Reid

Next up we welcome Forfar Athletic to NDP for another vital William League 2 fixture.

Last time out “The Rose travelled to Methil to meet table topping East Fife where the points were shared in a very competitive contest.

The match started with both sides working each other out with the Bonnyrigg creating the first chance when a Bradley Barrett shot was well saved by the East Fife goalkeeper McFarlane.

Bonnyrigg lost Captain Kerr Young mid-way through the first half to injury to be replaced by Keiran Somerville.

Cammy Ross gave The Rose the lead on the stroke of half time when he ran through from a through ball from Bradley Barrett to place the ball high into the East Fife goal.

East Fife continued to control possession in the second half, but Bonnyrigg continued to be a threat on the turnover.

Debut Goalkeeper Andy McNeil pulled off a superb save clawing away an Laaref effort from the top left corner of the goal

Substitute Laaref hit the post for East Fife with less than 10 minutes remaining and it looked like The Rose were about to leave with all 3 points.

With five minutes remaining East Fife were awarded a penalty for a hand ball which was then converted by Trouten.

Calum Connolly went close to putting Bonnyrigg back into the lead when his header came off the post.

Both sides threatened in the final moments of the match but had to settle for a goal apiece.

Forfar travelled to Stirling Albion where despite taking the lead on the half hour mark, they conceded three goals in a 20-minute period to leave the Forthbank Performance Sports Centre pointless.

Manager Calum Elliot thoughts on this match

Clearly a big game for both teams and one we are really looking forward to.

Hopefully some of the injuries we currently have will have cleared up as we go into this important match.

The supporters were fantastic on Saturday, and it would be amazing if they could turn up in their numbers for this game and make it a loud atmosphere.

Saturday will be defined by which team does the basics better and does more in both boxes.

In the last meeting between the sides “The Rose” went down to a disappointing defeat at Station Park.

Forfar started fast, with Josh Skelly scoring early in the 7th minute.

Bonnyrigg Rose struggled to create chances, as Forfar won the physical battle early on. Forfar extended their lead in the 21st minute, with Matthew Allan heading in.

Rose made five changes at halftime to try and change the game’s tempo, creating chances through Callum Connolly and Ben Scarborough.

Forfar extended their lead in the 62nd minute, with Russel McLean finding the net.

Minutes later, McLean struck again for The Loons, firing a long-range effort to beat Hepburn in the Rose goal.

Bonnyrigg clawed back a goal in the 75th minute through Cammy Ross, who combined with Scarborough to apply the finishing touch.

Forfar added their fifth goal of the afternoon in the 85th minute, closing out a frustrating day for Bonnyrigg Rose.

Bonnyrigg Rose (last 5 league results)

15/02/25 = East Fife 1-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
08/02/25 = Bonnyrigg Rose 3-4 Peterhead
04/02/25 = Elgin City 3-0 Bonnyrigg Rose
01/02/25 = Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 Clyde
28/01/25 = Stirling Albion 3-0 Bonnyrigg Rose

Forfar Athletic (last 5 league results)

15/02/25 = Stirling Albion 3-1 Forfar Athletic
08/02/25 = Forfar Athletic 0-1 Edinburgh City
01/02/25 = Peterhead 2-2 Forfar Athletic
25/01/25 = Forfar Athletic 0-1 Stranraer
11/01/25 = Forfar Athletic 1-1 Elgin City

Bonnyrigg Rose v Forfar Athletic (league results h2h this season)

14/12/24 Forfar Athletic 5-1 Bonnyrigg Rose
28/09/24 = Bonnyrigg Rose 0-1 Forfar Athletic

Referee: George Calder
AR1Craig Macrae
AR2Robin Taylor

*Next Match we visit The Vanloq Community Stadium (Ainslie Park) to face The Spartans – Saturday 1st March Kick Off 3pm*