We’re off to the capital as we take on Bonnyrigg Rose tomorrow in cinch League 2 action. Bonnyrigg currently occupy bottom spot in the league with 23 points, 4 adrift of Albion in 9th. Bonnyrigg’s debut in the SPFL started off well but Robbie Horn’s side have struggled over the last few months, with their last home win coming on the 23rd of December as they defeated Stranraer 3-2.
This will only be the third time that the two sides have met, with the prior two meetings coming earlier this season. A 4-2 win for the Warriors at New Dundas Park and a 1-1 draw at Ochilview sees the Warriors sit positively against Saturday’s opposition. Goals from Matty Yates (2), Euan O’Reilly and Thomas Orr earned the win back in October, whilst Adam Brown scored a penalty a month later in the draw.
The website spoke with Gary leading up to Saturday’s game, a unfamiliar opponent on paper but how much does Gary know about Bonnyrigg?
“I’m quite familiar with them, they are my local team. I’m from Musselburgh. Even before I became the manager, I’ve been at a few of their games this season. I was at their recent game against Stirling Albion, they were very unlucky not to get something from the game. They equalised late on then lost a goal in the last minute. We know a lot about majority of their players, they have a squad that have been together for a quite a few season, working their way through the leagues. I used to play with their manager at Hearts. They’ve done well to get through the leagues and started this season well. For varying reasons, they’ve had an indifferent spell. I’ve seen enough of their games to know it’ll be a difficult game for us as if we go in thinking we’ll walk the game, with them bottom of the league, we’ll get beat. I’ve already spoke to the players about that, we can’t have any complacency, any arrogance and we’ve got to play how we’ve played in majority of the games since I’ve taken over. If we do that and focus on what we can do with the ball, hopefully it’ll be enough to get another positive result.”
Gary added to the squad this week with Gavin Reilly joining the club on loan from Queen Of The South, how does the manager think he’ll impact the squad coming in from a side in the league above?
“He’s in with the lads tonight (Thursday) and it’ll be the first time he’s met the squad. I’ve known Gavin for a while now. I first became aware that he could be available two or three weeks ago. I spoke with Queen Of The South to try and agree terms, spoke with Gavin too at various times. We had to be patient for different reasons, there was a lot of interest in him being one of them. He wanted to weigh up what was the best option for him and for him to turn around and say that we are the best option, I was delighted with that. I am happy with the striking options we already have at the club but everyone loves having extra strikers.
I think he’s different to what we’ve got. He’s got the experience, having played in the Premiership, Championship and League 1 and down in England. People seem to forget he’s only 29 as it seems he’s been around forever. I’m hoping he’ll come in and add to the group. He’s got to take his chance like anyone that comes into the team. On that, I felt that the lads that started and came on last week certainly done their chances no harm for starting.”
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Kick-off: 3pm
Match Entry: You can pay at the gate at New Dundas Park using cash.
Admission –
Adults – £12
Concessions/12-16 year olds – £7
Under 12s go free with a paying adult
Referee:Alan Newlands
Assistants: Andy Milne & Jamie Andrews
LEAGUE INFORMATION
Albion Rovers vs Annan Athletic
Bonnyrigg Rose vs Stenhousemuir
Dumbarton vs Elgin City
Forfar Athletic vs Stirling Albion
Stranraer vs East Fife
