Late Stewart gem lands Cup for Rose

Bonnyrigg ROSE ATHLETIC 'A' snatched the SPORTSassist under-21 South East Region Cup with a goal in the last minute to leave Leith Athletic Colts gobsmacked at Dunbar's New Countess Park.

Such an outstanding finish was fit to win any game but Leith will still be disappointed, with Rose's decisive goal in a 2-1 win coming from the last kick of the ball. Daniel Stewart proved the matchwinner with a stunning strike from long range in the final minute.

Stewart fired a warning signal of what was to come after lining up a free kick from about 30 yards out on 15 minutes, his ferocious shot crashing onto the bar. Bonnyrigg continued to dominate, but it was Leith who scored just before half time. A ball across goal found Shawn Wood who from about six yards easily finished off the chance.

Five minutes after the restart, Bonnyrigg finally breached the stubborn Leith backline. A low cross by Gary McCormack was directed towards man of the match Sean Patterson, who scored the equaliser.

Johnny Coleman and team-mate Jon Laidlaw drew close to restoring Leith's lead, but with a large grey cloud looming over the East Lothian ground it looked as if the game was destined for extra time. Then a moment of pure brilliance from Bonnyrigg No.??11 Stewart won the game for Rose. From almost 35 yards out in a central position Stewart looked up and chipped the ball goalwards in what looked initially like a misplaced pass. He knew what he was doing, though, as his delicate effort on goal was too high and accurate for Tansey and it sneaked into the net off the left hand post.

Rose secretary Iain Richardson said: "We've had an unbeaten season so far in the league and with three more games to go we will hope to keep it that way."

Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic 'A': James McQueen, Ross Baird, John Callaghan, Richard Ramsay, Greig Callaghan, Mark Stewart, Stewart Davidson, Scott Finlayson, Sean Patterson, Jordan Lister, Daniel Stewart, Calumn Hunter, Gary McCormack, Douglas Stewart, Shaun Thomson, Jason Hunter.

Leith Athletic Colts: Paul Tansey, John Diver, James Main, Denholm Lyle, Johnny Coleman, Jon Laidlaw, Shawn Wood, Jamie Stewart, Johnny Herd, Jack Ferguson, Chris Inglis, Craig Nisbet, Jamie Lothian, Scott Joyce, Darren Davidson, Kieran Robertson.