Bonnyrigg Rose 1-1 Dumbarton - Farrell frustrated as side held by Rose

Stevie Farrell was left to rue Dumbarton’s lack of cutting edge, as they were held by Bonnyrigg in a physical opening day encounter.

Ryan Blair’s deflected long range effort got the Sons’ season off to the perfect start after just four minutes, but they were left cursing poor finishing - and inspired goalkeeping - as substitute Luke Mahady levelled 10 minutes from time to ensure the points were shared.

A frustrated Farrell said: “We were deservedly a goal up and Bonnyrigg didn’t really open us up from open play.

“We defended really well all afternoon from corners and balls into the box.

“We got the goal early and then we’re unlucky with Tony Wallace having a shot cleared off the line, David Wilson having the same and then the keeper making a great save from Michael Ruth.

“I feel for Michael because he was magnificent and did everything but score. If that goes in to make it 2-0 then the game is done and dusted.

“But at 1-0 there’s always a chance. And the big frustration for me is that the goal looked offside. That’s really disappointing.

“I’ve told the players not to be too disheartened. We’ve probably created more chances on Saturday than we did in two games at Bonnyrigg last season combined.

“If we keep creating the chances then it will click.”

With heavy rain easing just in time for kick off, Sons got their season off to a dream start for the second year in succession - as they took the lead with just four minutes played.

Industrious play by Michael Ruth saw the forward tee up Ryan Blair, who arrowed a long range effort into the top corner of Paddy Martin’s net - via a deflection.

Rose responded with Sons’ Brett Long doing well to touch Alieu Faye’s header around the post, conceding the first in a raft of corners that