Robbie Horn: Bonnyrigg Rose proved against Montrose that higher level is not beyond them
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.
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Hide AdEwan 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.
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Hide Ad“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.”