EAST OF SCOTLAND QUALIFYING CUP
BONNYRIGG ROSE…4
UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING…1
Despite the students’ competitive and committed performance, Bonnyrigg Rose emerged as the 4-1 winners on Tuesday night, ending the University of Stirling’s cup run.
The opening stages saw Rose look to impose themselves early, forcing corners and delivering a number of dangerous shots into the box.
Stirling stood firm and gradually settled and began to move the ball well and were rewarded after eight minutes when captain Lewis Blane reacted sharply in the area to force a cross over the line and give Stirling a 1-0 lead.
That advantage was short-lived, as Stirling failed to fully clear their lines just three minutes later, and Rose capitalised to draw level, with Rudi Bryce finishing clinically from close range.
With the scores at 1-1, Rose edged possession, but Stirling remained well organised and competitive, matching the hosts for long spells.
Both sides had chances before the break. Sutherland in the Stirling goal dealt confidently with several efforts, while Rose struck the bar from a free kick on the edge of the box.
Stirling carried a threat on the break, with Trotter firing just over and Moffett also going close, as the half ended level at 1-1.
Rose started the second half strongly, applying pressure from the restart.
Stirling had an early corner and a brief spell around the Rose box, but it was the home side who struck next. A Rose corner was met by a diving header from Neil Martyniuk to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
Stirling continued to work hard and made changes in search of a response, but Rose’s quality told again just after the hour mark.
Another corner on the right was finished at the back post by Martyniuk to make it 3-1. Sutherland remained busy, holding shots and parrying a low effort as Rose looked to extend their lead.
A free kick from the edge of the box struck the corner of the bar and post, while a header from a corner was cleared off the line as Stirling pushed for a way back into the game.
Despite that pressure, Rose remained composed and added a fourth goal in 90 minutes through Alassan Jones, once again finishing from the back post.
Despite the final scoreline, Stirling can take positives from their effort and attitude against a strong Rose side who were ruthless in front of goal.
Head Coach Chris Geddes reflected, “Tough game, playing a very good side and strong at home and missing some key players, but we still did ok.”
“We lost some poor goals from our perspective, which is always disappointing. We had some good opportunities in the 2nd half but couldn’t take them, so it could have been different, but Bonnyrigg had chances as well.”
“Back to league duty with a touch game v Boness, but everyone is looking forward to it after 2 cup games.”
Feature Image Credit: Twitter @StirlingUniFC
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