DEFENDER Neil Martyniuk has described Bonnyrigg Rose’s trip to Aberdeen as “the biggest game” he has ever played in.

The New Dundas Park side made the trip north hoping to spring a surprise and knock the former UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winners out of the Scottish Cup.

Martyniuk and his team-mates were backed by nearly 900 fans who made the 275-mile round trip from Bonnyrigg to the Granite City to watch their team try to cause a cup shock.

The 27-year-old, who has been a regular for the Midlothian side since joining in 2017, enjoyed the experience and the cup journey, despite the 2-0 defeat.

He said: “Personally, it is the biggest game that I have played in.

“I have never got to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup before and it was the biggest crowd.

“I loved every minute of it – the full experience of playing in front of a crowd like that and the big travelling support – and all of my team-mates were the same.

“I think we were a bit, not gutted, but thought if it was another day then what might have been.

“We played really well in the first half.

East Lothian Courier: Neil Martyniuk enjoyed the experience of Bonnyrigg Rose taking on Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup. Image: Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club/Joe Gilhooley LRPSNeil Martyniuk enjoyed the experience of Bonnyrigg Rose taking on Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup. Image: Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club/Joe Gilhooley LRPS

“They only had two shots on target and they scored them both.

“In the second half, we created chances as well as in the first half.

“It was bittersweet and we felt on another day we really could have got something more positive out of the game.

“If you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we did ourselves proud and it was a great day and great experience.”

The League Two side had already ended the cup journeys of Fraserburgh and Albion Rovers before being drawn at home to high-flying League One Falkirk in the fourth round.

The Bairns had lost just one game all season and came into the contest on the back of a 26-match unbeaten run.

However, a last-minute winner from former Tranent Juniors forward Bradley Barrett sent Bonnyrigg through to face Aberdeen.

 

 

Martyniuk, who grew up in Musselburgh but now lives in Tranent, said: “It was a great run for us as a team and club.

“Coming through three rounds and getting a glamour tie away to Aberdeen – I think we deserved it.”

Now, the side is turning its attention back to the possibility of a promotion push from League Two.

Robbie Horn’s men battled hard in their debut campaign last season to finish three points clear of Albion Rovers at the bottom.

Now, they have strengthened the squad and sit fifth in the standings with games in hand over the teams around them.

Martyniuk, who previously played for Musselburgh Windsor and whose dad, Walter, was previously goalkeeping coach at Musselburgh Athletic, felt that a challenge for the play-offs was a possibility and put it down to the hard work and unity of the team.

East Lothian Courier: Neil Martyniuk enjoyed the experience of Bonnyrigg Rose taking on Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup. Image: Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club/Joe Gilhooley LRPSNeil Martyniuk enjoyed the experience of Bonnyrigg Rose taking on Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup. Image: Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club/Joe Gilhooley LRPS

The centre half, who has scored 10 times for the club this campaign, said: “There is no one in the team that has a big ego or looks down on another.

“It is a group of mates playing football.

“If someone gives the ball away, you know for a fact there is a team-mate bursting their backside to get it back and help you.

“It is that kind of environment – if one person makes a mistake then you are there to help them out.”