Bonnyrigg Rose 0-2 East Fife, Saturday 17th February 2023
New Dundas Park, cinch League Two
East Fife recorded their first victory of the Dick Campbell era as a 3-minute spell saw 2 goals which proved the difference between the two sides. The first half was a hotly contested affair, though we were able to show our quality and comfortably see the game out.
We started the match brightly with Alan Trouten, who was playing much further forward, challenging goalkeeper Martin from range inside the first two minutes. The Rosey Posey stopper dealt with the shot with relative ease though.
After 10 minutes of play, it was Jack Healy who was causing problems as he tried his luck with a long-range free kick. It flew over the cross bar though, and we remained all square.
New signing James Lyon impressed throughout and got himself involved in the action after 17 minutes, linking up with Alan Trouten to tee up Kieran Millar. Unfortunately, the midfielder mishit his volley and it soared wide.
Martin was forced into another save for Bonnyrigg Rose when Nathan Austin broke through the defensive line. Sadly, Fash’s shot was right at the goalie, and it was another simple stop.
Fleming was called into action shortly after, making an impressive, yet simple save keeping us on level terms.
We broke the deadlock five minutes later through a dead ball situation no less. Jack Healy lofted a marvellous ball into the danger area which was met by experienced centre half Brian Easton. The Scottish Cup winner looped his header over Paddy Martin, scoring his first goal in the famous Black and Gold.
Five minutes later, our lead was doubled as some fantastic quick feet from Jack Healy drew a penalty from Rosey Posey captain Kerr Young. Alan Trouten then stepped up, and did what Alan Trouten does, slotting home and adding to his 91% penalty conversion rate throughout his entire career (which spans back to 2003!).
The second half started as the first half ended, with East Fife in cruise control and on the ascendency once again. Trouten was played through in some tiki taka football which looked like it came straight out of ‘La Masia’. Trouten was well tracked though, and he couldn’t get his shot away.
The tide started to slowly turn, and Bonnyrigg had their golden chance in the 80th minute. Declan Byrne found himself through and dinked the ball over the head of an onrushing Allan Fleming. Luckily for the Fifers, Brian Easton was quick to react, and was able to hook the ball from the goal line.
The game then petered out, as East Fife coasted to their first victory since the 17th of January, however it ended worse for Bonnyrigg as Fife resident Reis Peggie was sent packing in the 94th minute for a second bookable offence.
On Saturday, we host Forfar Athletic at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The Loons currently find themselves sat in 8th place in the cinch League Two, after throwing away a 3-0 lead against title chasers Peterhead at the weekend.
Bonnyrigg Rose – Martin, Martyniuk, Young, Mercer (Stewart 85’), Peggie, Mailer, Currie (McGale 85’), Gray (McGachie 85’), Doan (Byrne 65’), Barrett, Osadolor (Connelly 85’). Subs not used: Jarvis, Gormley, Watson, Andrews
East Fife – Fleming, Murdoch, Newton, Page, Easton, Millar, McManus, Trouten, Healy (Hamilton 80’), Lyon (Shepherd 71’), Austin (Walls 90+2’). Subs not used: Schiavone, Nicol, Beveridge, Ramsay
Referee – Duncan Nicolson
Attendance – 730
Report by Oli Anderson