Bonnyrigg Rose get Lowland League East campaign off to a flyer
Bonnyrigg Rose got their Lowland League East campaign off on the right note after a 3-0 victory over Musselburgh Athletic.
Laurie Devine gave the visitors a first-half lead at Olivebank, the East Lothian outfit's Jamie Todd also seeing red for a challenge on Jordan Smith.
A brace of penalties from Neil Martyniuk in the second half wrapped up all three points for the Rosey Posey.
Boss Jonny Stewart said: "I'm very happy to get the three points which, at the end of the day, is the most important thing. I felt we started the game pretty well, and scored a great goal. But, if I'm honest, I think the sending off kind of killed us a wee bit. Musselburgh dropped in to a 4-4-1 shape and they sat very deep and compact so they became hard to break down.
"We had lots of the ball but without really cutting them open, or creating too much in the first half. So, the message at half-time was don't try and force it, keep moving the ball quickly, and be patient.
"We did that for periods in the second half, but there was a 10/15 minute spell where we dropped off completely. We didn't manage the game well and we were poor in possession. We let them back in the game so credit to Musselburgh as they were good in shape and kept going.
"There are a lot of things to improve on but a lot of positives to take and it's a good start to the season. Bo'ness will be another tough game on Tuesday, two away matches on the bounce, so we'll need to prepare properly."
Elsewhere, Tranent were 2-1 winners over Bo'ness and Civil Service Strollers picked up a point after a 1-1 draw at Linlithgow Rose.
Meanwhile, Spartans rounded off their Premier Sports Group B campaign with a fine 2-0 win over League One Montrose.
It was Dougie Samuel men's first victory in the cup this season, James Craigen netting a fantastic free-kick to give the Capital outfit the lead at Links Park.
Mack Ross doubled Spartans lead after the interval to seal a well-deserved win.