Dunfermline Athletic produced a clinical attacking display to beat Bonnyrigg Rose 4-2 in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup, with a brace from Craig Wighton helping the visitors navigate a tricky away tie. At New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg twice threatened to make a game of it, but Dunfermline’s quality in the final third and ability to strike on the counter-attack proved decisive.

Match overview

Bonnyrigg Rose made a bright start in front of their home supporters and took the lead in the 12th minute through Keiran McGachie, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and stabbed it past the goalkeeper. The early goal gave the home side belief, but Dunfermline responded with calm authority and equalised in the 25th minute when Craig Wighton finished neatly after a flowing move down the left.

The visitors moved ahead before half-time through Lewis McCann, whose powerful run and low finish put Dunfermline in control. Wighton added his second in the 58th minute, finishing from close range after a defensive error. Bonnyrigg reduced the deficit in the 76th minute through Lee Currie, but Dunfermline sealed the win in the 89th minute when Matty Todd broke clear and converted confidently.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Keiran McGachie gives Bonnyrigg Rose an early lead with a scrappy finish inside the box.
• 25th minute: Craig Wighton equalises for Dunfermline with a composed finish after a slick passing move.
• 44th minute: Lewis McCann puts Dunfermline ahead with a powerful run and low strike.
• 58th minute: Wighton scores his second to make it 3-1 after a defensive mistake.
• 76th minute: Lee Currie pulls one back for Bonnyrigg with a well-struck free-kick.
• 89th minute: Matty Todd seals the victory for Dunfermline with a calm one-on-one finish.

Tactical story

Dunfermline’s victory was built on speed in transition and intelligent movement in the final third. The visitors allowed Bonnyrigg to have periods of possession but were ruthless when they won the ball back, attacking quickly through the wide areas and creating overloads in the box. Wighton’s movement between the centre-backs was particularly effective, and Dunfermline’s midfield consistently found him with early passes.

Bonnyrigg Rose competed well and caused problems from set pieces, with Currie’s free-kick a reminder of their threat from dead-ball situations. However, the home side struggled to cope with Dunfermline’s pace on the break and were punished for a handful of defensive lapses. Dunfermline’s ability to score at key moments — just before half-time and immediately after the hour mark — gave them a cushion that Bonnyrigg could not quite overcome.

Standout players

Craig Wighton was the outstanding performer for Dunfermline, scoring twice and leading the line with intelligence and composure. His movement created space for others, and his finishing was clinical. Lewis McCann also impressed with his direct running and physical presence, while Matty Todd capped a lively display with the late goal that ended Bonnyrigg’s resistance.

For Bonnyrigg Rose, Keiran McGachie took his goal well and worked hard against a strong defence. Lee Currie was the home side’s most creative outlet, delivering several dangerous set pieces and scoring a fine free-kick. The Bonnyrigg goalkeeper made a number of saves to keep his side in contention, but Dunfermline’s attacking quality ultimately told.

Season impact

The 4-2 win sends Dunfermline Athletic into the next round of the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup with attacking confidence and a proven ability to score away from home. For Bonnyrigg Rose, the defeat is disappointing, but the performance showed they can compete against higher-level opposition. Dunfermline will take plenty of encouragement from their ruthlessness in front of goal, while Bonnyrigg will look to tighten up defensively and build on their set-piece threat in upcoming fixtures.