Caledonian Braves vs Bonnyrigg Rose

The Braves put in a ‘Brave’ performance against title challenging Bonnyrigg Rose on Saturday but fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat.

A game which was always going to be affected by the weather conditions as snow, hail and wind battered down on Alliance Park.

It took at least 10 minutes for the first real bit of action was produced. George Hunter forced Alex Marshall into a good save to keep the score level.

The Braves would be the closest to opening the scoring first. Top Goalscorer Ross McNeil did well to create himself some space at the edge of the box but his goal bound effort was pushed away by the Rose Keeper.

Rose piled the pressure on as Skipper Alan Reid was made to a make a great last ditch sliding tackle to tip the ball over the bar to deny Hunter a tap in on inside the 6 yard box.

David Sinclair proved to be a threat against Rose from Dead Ball situations during the game, his first of many was whipped into 6 yard box, heading toward to the bottom right corner but for another great save from the Rose Keeper to deny the Braves the opener.

The away side would take the lead though, a cross comes in from the left hand side heading towards Dean Brett, the full back got the better of Serge Makofo and slid the ball home into the roof of the net, much to the delight of a sizeable travelling support.

Minutes later the Braves would equalise. A free kick from Sinclair was beautifully placed into the right hand side of the net giving the keeper no chance of stopping this one.

Moments before half time, Bonnyrigg would take a lead into the interval. A corner was failed to be cleared and a goal bound head was deflected into his own net by Alan Reid.

The poor conditions began to die in the second half leading to a great half of lower league football.

Marshall again had to produce a fine save to keep Hunter from doubling the Rose lead while Sinclair had a long range effort deflected over the bar.

The Braves equalised to just under half an hour left of play. Great work from McNeil on the edge of the box who had his shot blocked, falling into the path of Sinclair. His initial effort couldn’t beat the first defender but when given a second opportunity the midfielder rifled the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

McNeil almost put the Braves ahead with a long ranger held but the Rose keeper on the goal-line before Rose would snatch a winner.

Dan Baur sneaked behind the Braves defence following a long forward free-kick as he smashed the ball past Marshall to send the Rose Fans home happy.

A fairly disappointing result for the Braves who matched up well with a team challenging for the title but it is on to East Stirlingshire away next weekend as the Braves seek their next three points.

Saturday 29th February vs East Stirlingshire, 3pm KO, Falkirk Stadium.