Confident Miller sure Rose can halt champs

After a disappointing season last term, Bonnyrigg boss Alan Miller is more than happy to face the champions following a terrific away win at Tayport last weekend where there were clear signs of an upturn in form.

"It'll be our toughest challenge so far this season and one were really looking forward to," said Miller, whose side have won their last three matches.

"To face the champions is always good at any time but I feel we're turning the corner after last season and this is the right time to go on a run.

"We have a lot to look forward to. Ross Hamilton, who was transferred to Bo'ness pre- season will be back and I'm sure the supporters will give him a good welcome.

"The team is starting to bond together now with some of the more experienced players in the squad helping achieve that. Players like Sean Grady, who has been at Bonnyrigg for a while now, is helping to calm things down when needed. Kevin McLeish is another who has bags of experience and uses it correctly. Players like these two are real gems but none more so than Davie Burrell. He is the type of players every side needs in their squad. He plays his heart out no matter which position he's picked in. His attitude is terrific every game he plays for they club.

"I feel he typifies what Junior football is all about. He conducts himself well and the other players in the squad all respect what he brings to the club.

"Another player who has been terrific for us this season so far has been Ryan McCallum, who we bought from Musselburgh. He wasted no time in finding the net right from the start."

Miller has a couple of players carrying slight knocks but they should be fit for the kick-off.

Bo'ness manager Willie Newbigging is expecting another tough game and said: "Every time the two teams meet, it's a really tight affair. Last season - when Bonnyrigg were struggling - we had a classic penalty shoot-out when the final score was something like 17-16 in our favour, so I'm expecting another hard-fought game.

"Regardless of who has won the Super League title, both these sides hate losing to the other. Bonnyrigg are a side who are quite capable of going on a run which could take them way up the table to a challenging position. I just don't want it to happen on Saturday.

"Their manager Alan Miller has a lot of respect from the management team here. He is a very likeable boss who gets the best out of his players.

"However, we are going there to take the points. We play the same way at home or on the road. You don't win titles by being defensive. As for injuries, we have four players who may not make it but I'd like to keep that information to myself just now.

"This season has already been a big one for us. We had a good win in the Senior Scottish Cup and I think we're starting to find some form. We've had good performances from some key players in the squad, none more so than Will Snowdon. Apart from being a good professional, he's a great lad to have around the team. He's on top of his form just now and the supporters really appreciate what he brings to the line up.

"Derek Fleming and Andy Shirra bring consistency to the team playing well week-in, week-out while in Nicky Walker we have what I consider to be a complete footballer. His game has come on leaps and bounds since last season.

"The confidence of knowing he's faster than everyone else in the league helps as well.

"He scored four goals against Musselburgh and that's the only thing that was missing last season.

"As for Saturday, we'll come away from Bonnyrigg knowing we'll have been in a big game - win, lose or draw."