Bonnyrigg forty-fied by veteran defender

Ally Reid, who, at 41, is a year older than Weir, decided in the summer to extend his lengthy connection with the New Dundas Park club for another season and is making life difficult for Miller when it comes to selecting his central defenders.

"Scott Ritchie and David Dunn are still being challenged by Alistair, who is brimming with enthusiasm and keeping people on their toes," said the Bonnyrigg manager ahead of tomorrow's derby clash at home to Newtongrange Star.

Both sides will go into the game on the back of timely confidence boosts - Bonnyrigg having hammered Harthill 8-2 in the East of Scotland Cup last weekend and Newtongrange scoring seven as they beat Steelend in the same competition.

After beating Kelty in their opening league game of the season, Bonnyrigg lost 4-1 at Forfar West End before going down 2-0 at home to Hill of Beath a fortnight ago.

"Even in the game up at Forfar I was happy with the way we played - our problem was the fact we didn't take our opportunities," reflected Miller.

"It was the same against Hill of Beath. I thought we dominated most of that match but lost it due to the fact we conceded two bad goals.

"I also thought it was going to be a similar story last Saturday, when it was 1-1 at half-time against Harthill, but we went out and won the second-half 7-1.

"It was good to see the goals starting to go in because it can impact on players when they are dominating matches and not getting the right result."

Ryan McCallum, a summer signing from Musselburgh, grabbed a hat-trick after coming on as a substitute against the South Division side and Miller is delighted with his contribution for Rose so far.

"Ryan has settled in very well. He's the type of player I've been looking to get for a while, a focal point with mobility and an eye for goals as well.

"He's a good prospect for us, while I have also been pleased with James Steele, a young lad who looks awkward but is doing well for us."

Having started their pre-season work later than most other clubs, Bonnyrigg have perhaps been a bit behind their Super League opponents so far in terms of fitness.

But Miller is hoping tomorrow's visit by neighbours Newtongrange will see them getting much closer to the sharpness he's looking for.

"That is still to come, but things are starting to look promising," he said. "However, we can't get too carried away by a big win over Harthill. Last season we beat them 11-1 in a cup but didn't go on to have a brilliant campaign.

"We certainly know Newtongrange will be a more difficult proposition this week, but, as always, the players on both sides will be looking forward to a derby match."

Newtongrange picked up a point at Camelon in their last away game but lost at home to both Lochee and, more recently, Musselburgh.

Manager Graeme Armstrong was concerned about his side lacking a spark in that game but assistant Alan Prentice is hoping the resounding win over Steelend will help ignite that in the league. "A few of the players managed to find the net last Saturday and hopefully that will help us turn the corner," said Prentice.

"We are looking forward to a massive game this weekend and we are very aware of the dangers that lie in wait at Bonnyrigg, where we lost 3-2 in a great match last season."

While the visitors have some injury problems, one player likely to be handed a start at New Dundas Park is Joe Dunbar. Back with Newtongrange after a spell at Raith Rovers, the winger made a real impact after coming on as a second-half substitute against Musselburgh.

"Joe did really in that game and, though he couldn't play last week due to it being a cup-tie, I think there is a good chance he will be involved on Saturday," added Prentice.

Bonnyrigg are close to full strength, with Kevin Moffat, who suffered ankle and ligament damage in pre-season, being the only player not available to Miller at present.