Robbie Horn: Bonnyrigg Rose proved against Montrose that higher level is not beyond them

Bonnyrigg Rose's players celebrate after scoring against Montrose. Pic: TSPL

Bonnyrigg Rose manager Robbie Horn reckons his side’s William Hill Scottish Cup third-round 2-1 defeat of League One outfit Montrose reinforced his squad is capable of holding their own at a higher level.

The Lowland League title hopefuls shocked the Gable Endies in atrocious conditions at New Dundas Park in front of more than 2,000 people.

Ewan Moyes gave the home side the lead when the defender sent a terrific header into the far corner following Lee Currie’s pinpoint cross after 18 minutes.

Ross Campbell levelled the tie two minutes before the break with a close-range finish, but Rose responded emphatically, Jonathan Brown rifling a shot into the bottom corner from a tight angle with the last kick of the first half.

Bryan Young was sent off for Horn’s side after picking up a second booking in the 69th minute but the Midlothian side saw out the game with some resilient defending, goalkeeper Mark Weir producing a last-gasp save to send Rose through.

A jubilant Horn, who guided his side past then Championship side Dumbarton three years go before bowing out of the competition to holders Hibs, said: “I’ve got real confidence in the squad that when they perform at their best they are a League One or League Two club. It’s just about doing that on a consistent basis and that’s probably the difference between the two.

“It was a difficult 90 minutes in testing conditions and probably not the way both teams wanted to play. The goal gave us a huge lift in what was a fantastic header. To lose an equaliser two minutes before the break was a blow but what a response. They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half but to a man we defended superbly.

“It’s a fantastic result for the club. You could see what it means to the community and what a turnout. Bonnyrigg as a town is just getting bigger and hopefully we can get even more people to come along and watch the team.

“It’s a big win but this group of players just keep digging out results. They don’t know when they’re beaten.”