Stenhousemuir increased the gap at the top of the league and made it 10 league games unbeaten after a Matty Aitken goal saw the Warriors run out 1-0 victors against Bonnyrigg Rose at Ochilview.
The game was in real jeopardy of going ahead first thing this morning as the pitch was covered in snow. However, local volunteers and fans all came together to help get the pitch cleared so that a game was played. It was one of only two games in league two to survive the weather.
Bonnyrigg started the better of the two teams, having early chances. On the 7th minute, Reis Peggie floated a lovely ball to the back post, but Darren Jameson was on hand to collect, preventing Smart Osadolor.
The Warriors had their first chance straight after, Adam Brown played in a lovely corner. Buchanan rose the highest to meet it, but it went straight into Paddy Martin’s hands.
Stenhousemuir had a big chance of the 20-minute mark. Adam Brown was played in behind and he cut it back for Euan O’Reilly who was inches away from connecting with the ball.
The Warriors opened the scoring on the 24th minute. Matty Aitken got on the end of a loose ball after an Adam Brown free kick to put the home side 1-0 up.
Just a minute later, O’Reilly turned Peggie inside out and got a shot off. His effort was tipped round the post by Bonnyrigg goalkeeper, Paddy Martin.
Bonnyrigg had a big chance just before half time when the balls fell to Taylor Sutherland, who had Darren Jameson stretching but it went narrowly wide. Moments later, Smart Osadolor fired well over from the edge of the box.
10 minutes into the second half, the Warriors had a huge chance. Mikey Anderson picked the defender’s pocket and squared it to Matty Yates. Matty’s shot trickled just wide of the post.
10 minutes later, Stenhousemuir had another big chancel. Euan O’Reilly broke down the right flank, he beat his man then dinked a cross in. Matty Yates rose to meet it, but Paddy Martin holds well.
On the 74th minute Stenhousemuir were reduced to 10 men as Adam Brown was sent off, he appeared to have said something to anger the ref into giving him a second yellow card.
Understandably, the sending off gave the Rose momentum to push for an equaliser. Despite having more of the territory and possession, they failed to really test Darren Jameson.
In added time, Bonnyrigg were reduced to 10 men after Keiran McGachie was sent off with a second yellow as the referee had adjudged him to have dived inside the box.
Stenhousemuir were able to hold on and secure the 3 points. They will look to build on the victory away at Dumbarton next week
LINE-UPS
Stenhousemuir | D Jamieson, Lynch, Buchanan, N Jamieson, Bilham, Wedderburn, Brown, Anderson, Yates [Taylor 85?], O’Reilly [Berry 85?]
Substitutes not used | Lyle, Meechn, Sweenie-Rowe, McKay
Goals | Aitken [25?]
Assists |
Bookings | Bilham, Brow, Taylor
Red Card | Brown
Bonnyrigg Rose | Martin, Peggie, Martynuik, Young, Mailer [McGale 88′], Currie, Stewart [Barrett 74′], Connolly, Sutherland [Buchanan 73′], Osadolor [McGachie 64′], Doan [Watson 74′]
Substitutes not used | Lyle, Meechn, Sweenie-Rowe, McKay
Goals |
Assists |
Bookings | Young, Down, McGachie
Red Card | McGachie
Player of the Match | Matty Aitken
Match report by Angus Blacklock
