Thursday February 19th 2026
Bonnyrigg Rose walking out before kick-off
Written by Bonnyrigg Rose’s Austin Fenton
Second half goals from Gala Fairydean Rovers sent Bonnyrigg Rose out of the Lowland League Cup, who were left condemned to a 2-0 loss at Netherdale.
Jonny Stewart made eight changes from the team that lost to Gretna 2008 FC as he heavily rotated for the cup clash.
The hosts started the game on the front foot and caused a number of problems on the right hand side of the Rose defence through Che Reilly and Joe Wylie.
The lively combination of winger and fullback presented numerous opportunities for Gala, which Marc Anderson was on hand to deny on a number of occasions, the rest nestling wide of the mark or into the side netting.
Under windy conditions, both teams looked to take the direct approach via long ball, making for an open first half.
Rose nearly took the lead through bizarre means as Gala goalkeeper Reece Murray mishit a back pass which sent the ball trickling along the goal-line, although his defence were on hand to recover.
Max Dowling had arguably the best chance of the second half for the visitors when he was released over the top of the Gala defence, but the midfielder thumped his first-time effort wide of the near post.
Rose made a statement of intent following a goalless first 45, with Cameron Neil, Cammie Ross, Kallum Higginbotham and Alassan Jones all being introduced relatively early into the second period.
The latter came close to scoring from a tight angle via a free kick, but his left footed effort was just a little too high of Murray’s top corner and struck the roof of the net.
Gala took the lead with just over fifteen minutes left to play. A long ball forward caused problems for the Rose defence, and a wayward header set Lewis Hall on his way. The Gala striker kept his cool and beat Anderson one-on-one, rolling the ball past the Rose goalkeeper.
Despite a spirited late push, Rose were unable to create a clear-cut opportunity and were punished at the death.
A strong challenge in midfield let Gala counter. Within moments, Che Reilly was slipped in behind. The Gala wide man burst into the penalty area and slotted home to put the game beyond all doubts.
Bonnyrigg Rose will be back in Lowland League action on Saturday, travelling away to face The University of Stirling.
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