It’s dreamland for Rosey Posey

AS the tractors and volunteers moved in to prepare Central Park for the Saturday evening stock car racing, this play-off defeat for Cowdenbeath was another changing of the guard in Scottish football. After 117 years in the senior leagues and two previous League Two play-off escapes, the Blue Brazil finally succumbed to the testing demands of the pyramid. Like East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers and Brechin City before them, relegation betrayed a club unable to keep pace with the ambition of others. Bonnyrigg Rose’s dreams and energy proved an unstoppable force over two legs, albeit Cowdenbeath will argue the Lowland League champions benefited from hugely controversial refereeing decisions. After a 3-0 first-leg win, Neil Martynuik’s second-half penalty — his second debatable spot kick of the tie — made an already mountainous task impossible for the beleaguered hosts and got the party started for Bonnyrigg. The Rosey Posey were followed by an impressive travelling support that made up the majority of the 2,117 crowd. Their hopes were not to be denied and they celebrated with players and staff at full-time. While those who have lost their SPFL status since the pyramid play-offs were introduced in 2014-15 have failed to bounce back, the newest members have thrived. All three — Edinburgh City, Cove Rangers and Kelty Hearts — won promotion this season, blazing a trail for Bonnyrigg. ‘It was just amazing,’ said Rose defender Dean Brett. ‘When I first signed we were in the Juniors and now we’re in the professional leagues. It’s outstanding, unreal.’ Maurice Ross, the former Rangers and Scotland defender, penned an 18-month contract when he took over as Cowdenbeath manager in November, but talked in the aftermath of a ‘reset’ being badly needed. ‘The club has to change direction,’ he said. ‘I have a few conversations to have with the chairman and what he wants for this football club. ‘It will take a lot of energy and know-how to get back on its feet but it starts with youthful, energetic footballers.’