Stenhousemuir extend their lead at the top of the league to 17 points as the Warriors run out 1-0 victors away at Bonnyrigg Rose with a Matty Aitken goal.

Stenhousemuir travelled to New Dundas Park to take on Bonnyrigg Rose in the cinch league two. Gary Naysmith named two changes to the side that were defeated by Clyde last week. Adam Brown and Kyle Jacobs dropped out for Nicky Jamieson and James Berry.

Stenhousemuir started the better of the two sides, both Matty Yates and Gregor Buchanan had shots early on to test Paddy Martin in the Bonnyrigg goal. The Rose then started to come into the match having more possession and more territory but failed to test the Warriors defence.

Neither side were able to create many chances in the middle of the half in a game which became very even in the middle of the park on what was a stodgy pitch.

The hosts had a chance on the half hour mark when Dean Watson had a header go just wide of the target. The home side went close again just 10 minutes later when Scott Mercer played a good ball into Aaron Dunsmore, but he could not convert his shot goal bound.

Stenhousemuir came out the second half with intent. They started on the front foot and aimed to get forward. They had the first chance of the second half when Matty Yates played a free kick to Nicky Jamieson, but Martin was able to save well.

Berry then had a chance in the 49^th minute, his shot from just outside the box forced Marin into another good save.

Stenhousemuir then began to up the pressure around the 55-minute mark, creating more chances. Berry had another great chance to take the lead on the hour mark, but his shot went agonisingly wide for the Warriors.

O’Reilly was next to have a chance a minute later. His first timed effort went wide of the target.

Bonnyrigg were able to deal with the pressure but were unable to take advantage of any counter attack opportunities. The hosts were then able to move up the pitch a bit and they had a few chances of their own when Watson had two efforts saved well by Darren Jamieson.

Stenhousemuir finally went in front in the 82^nd minute when Bradley Rodden played in a corner, there was a bit of a scramble, but the ball ended up in the back of the net with Matty Aitken running away in celebration claiming the goal.

Bonnyrigg Rose pushed late on, but the Warriors defence were able to deal with the late pressure and hold out for a massive three points away at New Dundas Park.

Match report by Angus Blacklock

LINE-UPS

Bonnyrigg Rose | Martin, Mercer, Young [Connolly 20′], Martyniuk, Peggie, Mailer, Stewart, Currie [Barrett 79′], Dunsmore [Doan 79′], McGachie [Byrne 78′], Watson [Osadolor 84′]

Substitutes not used | Jarvis, McGale, Gormley, Andrews

Goals | 

Assists | 

Bookings |

Stenhousemuir | D Jamieson, Bilham, Meechan, N Jamieson, Buchanan, Wedderburn, Berry, Anderson, O’Reilly [Brown 78′], Yates [Rodden 79′], Aitken

Substitutes not used | Lyle, Kirkpatrick, Taylor, Stirling, Lynch, Jacobs

Goals | Aitken 82′

Assists | Rodden 82′

Bookings | Buchanan, Anderson, Aitken