Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 East Fife, Saturday 30th November 2024, William Hill League 2, New Dundas Park
East Fife and Bonnyrigg Rose shared the spoils last Saturday with a 1-1 draw at New Dundas Park.
Bonnyrigg started the game the faster of the two sides, although neither side could really escape from first gear. The hosts took the lead early doors through a magical Lee Currie free kick. He left Liam McFarlane wanting as his dead ball strike flew into the top corner past the outstretched goalkeeper.
East Fife had a free kick of their own just minutes later, though Jack Healy’s effort was right down the neck of Tom Ritchie. Minutes later, Healy had another chance, driving in from the right, although his shot was held by Ritchie once again.
East Fife could have grabbed the equaliser seventeen minutes into the game when goalkeeper Ritchie made the questionable decision to charge down Scott Shepherd who was not long clear of the halfway line. Luckily for the goalie, Shep couldn’t keep control of the ball after passing the goalkeeper and he was able to clear the danger.
There were a handful of half chances in the closing stages of the second half, although nothing of note, and despite East Fife having the lion’s share of chances, it was the hosts’ wonder strike that split the teams at the break.
Both sides would go on to start the second half fast, with Stewart Murdoch rattling the crossbar inside the opening five minutes of the second period with a header from a corner. Kallum Higginbotham would go on to cause some bother at the other end, with two cheeky efforts being denied, the first one was by McFarlane while the second was off target.
The Fifers finally got their much sought-after equaliser after 75 minutes, when Alan Trouten linked up with Healy to create a golden chance. A pinpoint threaded pass slipped into the path of Healy who dashed up to the by-line before sliding the ball across the box to an onrushing Jess Norey. The summer signing made no mistake with his finish and slotted home his first goal for the club.
Despite a cracking effort in the last quarter of an hour to grab all three points, it was not to be, and the spoils were shared.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Jack Healy
An impressive performance from Jack Healy, particularly in the second half, as the winger caused massive problems for both Bonnyrigg fullbacks all afternoon.
Bonnyrigg Rose – Ritchie, Mailer, Martyniuk, Young, Sommerville (Lorimer 77’), Ferrie, Higginbotham (McGachie 81’), Currie, Arnott (Scarborough 77’), Connelly, Ross. Subs not used: Allen, Andrews.
East Fife – McFarlane, Murdoch, McManus, Munro, Walker (Slattery 45’), Millar, Norey, Trouten, Healy, Peggie (Docherty 79’), Shepherd. Subs not used: Fleming, Briggs, Gilfillan, Winn, Blake.
Referee – Greg Soutar
Attendance - 568