Bonnyrigg Rose boss Robbie Horn explains his 'frustration´ after defeat by Hibs

Bonnyrigg pride themselves on their defensive stability. Doing the simple things well, being well organised and keeping a good shape are what the Lowland League champions are all about.

That’s why “frustration” was the manager’s principle emotion after the 4-1 Premier Sports Cup defeat by Hibs in front of a 2,400 all-ticket sellout crowd at New Dundas Park.

Taking on Hibs in front of the TV cameras in another landmark match in the club’s history was always going to be a big ask, but the magnitude of the occasion was never going to be an excuse that would wash with Horn.

Bonnyrigg conceded after just a minute and 43 seconds after failing to clear their lines and were on the ropes for the first 15 minutes. After establishing a foothold, the concession of two more goals in first-half injury time, either side of Kevin Smith’s superbly-taken goal, left Rose with too much to do.

But for Aiden McGeady’s penalty miss and three good saves by goalkeeper Mark Weir, Rose would have been more than 3-1 down at the break. They regrouped during the interval, however, and made a much better fist of it in the second half.

“I’m a wee bit frustrated,” said Horn. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance with the goals that we gave away. The goals we gave away were really poor and not like us, first half especially.

“There could have been another couple of goals to be fair. Mark has made some really good saves in the first half.

“We just weren’t at our best in the first half, but we got a wee bit of hope. It was a great finish from Kev, but then we go and give away another cheap goal. So, I’m frustrated because I think we’re better than that.

“Second half, we did OK and kept our shape. They didn’t really threaten us that much. Hibs have got