Bonnyrigg planning to Paddy-whack United

Published on Friday 7 November 2008 09:29

BONNYRIGG ROSE have Paddy Flannery to thank for giving them a second crack at the Citylink Scottish Junior Cup tomorrow.

His brace last week, including an injury-time equaliser, secured a 2-2 draw at St Andrews United after a performance which left many Rose fans convinced their side had got out of jail.

The result did not come as a complete shock to manager Alan Miller, though, and he is determined that the replay at New Dundas Park (kick-off 1.45pm) will see normal service resumed.

"(St Andrews] are a very good team and, although we possibly didn't deserve to win, we didn't deserve to lose either," he explained. We played well and the equaliser was a reward for a good fighting display."

St Andrews sit atop the East Region Central Division table with maximum points from their five games and a very healthy number of goals already in the bag.

Miller added: "They had some super players and, on a difficult pitch, made it hard for us to settle. So we are under no illusions that tomorrow's game will be just as difficult."

The manager hopes the contribution of Flannery, signed during the close season from Linlithgow Rose, will again prove crucial – but just not in such a nerve-jangling manner.

"He was sent off early in the season but is fighting back now that he's been back in the side and scoring goals but, more importantly, he's enjoying playing here," Miller said of the ex-Dumbarton striker.

Miller has steered Bonnyrigg through a turbulent phase. The ex-Edinburgh United manager took over after Pat Glynn resigned during the first week in August, just days before the season started. "We have brought in six or seven new faces to replace others who have left but we've done it at a pace the club can handle," Miller explained. "We now have players at the club who are committed to Bonnyrigg and the future here is looking rosy.

"I'm a typical manager in that I worry about the game in advance. We have to remember that this is a period of transition for the club.

"We have had a difficult few months, the same as many others, but I've been amazed at just how well we've done already." Indeed, after finishing fourth in the East Region Super League last term, Rose are currently third with the loss of two games.

"We must be doing something right," Miller said wryly. "There's been a lot of talk about this club but it's the same as any other. They have difficult periods as well.

"We have no injuries to worry about only a couple of niggles but it's amazing how they clear up before a big game like this."

St Andrews are a very good side who have always paid well and attracted the best players in their area.

They have a good manager in Jim Hardie, a former member of the coaching staff at Camelon and Linlithgow Rose and, in their own league, are favourites for promotion to the Super League.

Former Albion Rovers player Ricky Patrick, who scored one of the goals in last weekend's match, will be a danger again but others such as Gary Sutherland, the club's top scorer with 12 so far this season and David Evans, will be on hand to punish any further slackness in the Bonnyrigg ranks.

&#149 BONNYRIGG keeper Craig Coyle has been placed on the transfer list and anyone interested should contact Miller on 07958 659867.