Bonnyrigg Rose targeting double after thrashing Spartans to reach cup final

The newly-crowned Lowland League champions displayed the strength of their squad depth as Horn made five changes from Saturday’s starting eleven in the 2-2 draw in their title-presentation fixture with East Stirlingshire.

Competition for places is hotting up ahead of their two legged play-off with the still-to- be-crowned Highland League champions later this month.

Striker Kieran Hall came in to start and netted twice, while winger Bradley Barrett retained his place from the weekend and also chipped in with a double. Jamie Dishington netted a fine solo effort of his own late on to deny Rose a clean sheet.

“I thought we controlled the first half, we got an early which helped settle us down, but then we let them back in it at the start of the second half; we made a couple of wee mistakes which could have been punished,” said Horn. “They hit the post twice and we got a wee break from that.

“I always felt we could pick up and go another gear, and once we got through that wee spell we took control of it again and ran out comfortable winners. I was disappointed we lost a goal at the end, it took a wee bit of a shine off it but if you told me before the game that we’d win 4-1, I would’ve been delighted. Spartans are a good side but I thought we won the game comfortably.

“We changed the team about a wee bit again and kept everybody fresh, and we had some really good performances. Everyone is competing for places. I was a wee bit disappointed with the way we played on Saturday, and I think as a squad they were disappointed that they didn’t play to the level we can on what was a big day for the club as well getting presented with the trophy.

“It was important we got a wee bit of a reaction, and I think we did. It was a big game