Kelty Hearts v Bonnyrigg Rose

With the Berwick game cancelled it was an opportunity to catch the table topping Kelty v Second placed Bonnyrigg. Bonnyrigg sitting 6 points behind but with a game in hand. A really incredible season so far from Bonnyrigg having just gained promotion this season. I have a soft spot for Bonnyrigg, they are managed by Robbie Horn the ex Berwick manager (and player) and he’s a really nice guy. He came from Bonnyrigg to manage Berwick but the turmoil in the boardroom at the time was enough for him to walk away. Berwick fans fully understood his decision. He went back to Bonnyrigg after a short break and won them promotion into the lowland league as Berwick were relegated to the lowland league. Bonnyrigg were Berwick’s first opponents in the lowland league beating Berwick 5-3 at Shielfield.

It would be my second visit to New Central Park, my dad and I had already seen Berwick beaten 4-0 in a cup game earlier this season. We arrived early as per usual to get a parking spot close by so my dad can get in. We also wanted a seat in the stand. (£1 charge for this). But cheap entry anyway at £7/£4. And £1 for a tea/coffee.

The game.

A bumper crowd of over 1500 filled new Central Park for this one. Cold and a bit of snow in the air didn’t put off the fans. Kelty went 1 up with a bit of a scrambled goal, The Bonnyrigg keeper and defence should have done better to keep it out. Bonnyrigg equalised a few minutes later with a great free kick, top right corner and game back on. Kelty dominated the first half with Dylan Easton scoring a screamer to put the scoreline at 2-1, Austin added another with a good header to make it 3-1 to end the half.

Second half and Bonnyrigg came out fighting. They pulled a goal back when Kelty couldn’t clear properly and Hunter lobbed it over the keeper who was totally out of position. 3-2 and all set for a Bonnyrigg equaliser as the dominated the half. Kelty had the ball in the net again and we thought it was all over, a counter attack after heavy pressure from Bonnyrigg. Offside was called so not over yet. Bonnyrigg had several good chances, a shot off the crossbar, a decent penalty shout denied. In the last moments a clear chance as the ball came into the box, clear golden chance for an equaliser but it was blasted over the bar. The game ended 3-2 to Kelty. Still it’s not over yet for Bonnyrigg with the reverse fixture still to come. Kelty do have a massive goal difference though, but also have a bank balance the same.