Selkirk Victoria 4
Hawick United 0
BAL DIVISON B
EARLIER in the season Selkirk Victoria had 18 points deducted for a breach of the rules, anchoring them at the foot of the Border Amateur B division table, writes John Slorance.
Relegation appeared to be heading their way and a cloud was hanging over the heads of Derek Whitehead’s men.
This cloud, however, may now be evaporating, for after an impressive run of performances, including Saturday’s victory, the Vics are in with a chance of avoiding the drop if they win their remaining four games.
In a lively opening period, Kevin Strathdee came near to putting United ahead when firing wide after a Colin Turnbull throw-in. At the other end, Selkirk’s Jon Badicopt caused Hawick concern with a massive throw in that cannoned off the bar before being cleared.
Victoria keeper Jamie Lyall then proved his worth by diving to his right to push away a well struck Kevin Strathdee drive. After Selkirk’s Nathan Douglas had rifled a Badicopt pass over the bar, Sean Owens broke clear for Hawick when latching on to a David Strathdee goal kick.
With half time approaching, a no scoring first half looked on the cards but in the 42nd minute Douglas changed this, putting Selkirk ahead by curling a free kick past United keeper, John Paul Drysdale.
After the changeover, Drysdale denied Selkirk a second in pulling off a fine save from Badicopt.
In the 67th minute however, the homesters did add to their tally. Douglas hurled a throw-in to the goalmouth, the ball took an awkward bounce and Ryan Pritchard headed home.
Producing some good flowing football, Victoria were well and truly in the driving seat and after Hawick had been reduced to 10 men, Ross Scott having been giving his marching orders for a second bookable offence, they scored again. Substitute Blaine Gillie whipped over a cross from the right and Scott MacFarlane produced the finishing touch, driving a shot past the helpless Drysdale.
Minutes later, United fell into further arrears. After running on to a MacFarlane pass, Grant Brownlee rounded Drysdale and tucked a shot into the net from a very tight angle.