Civil Service Strollers 3
Selkirk 4
IMAGE PRINTERS CUP FIRST ROUND
SELKIRK are lining themselves up to be the cup specialists this season, after they dumped Premier Division side Civil Service Strollers with a stunning win at Muirhouse.
The visitors had already beaten fellow Premier Division team Lothian Thistle in the Qualifying Cup, while Mike McKinnon’s men also knocked Glasgow University out of the Scottish Cup, before substitute Jonny Watt struck in injury time to add Strollers to the list of Selkirk’s knock-out competition casualties.
Their cup performances are in direct contrast to a horrific start to the Yarrow Park side’s First Division campaign, including a 6-1 thumping at strugglers Ormiston.
It appeared Civil would dish out another mauling as they raced into a two-goal lead in the first half.
The Edinburgh team were ahead on 30 minutes when Ross Aitchison lobbed John Dodds and just before half-time John Ross-Kerr’s deflected effort found the bottom corner of the net.
However, a double substitution by McKinnon in the 56th minute, bringing on Michael Holness and Watt, proved decisive.
Within four minutes, Selkirk had pulled a goal back when Jamie Gibson’s run and shot smashed off Bruce Callan’s crossbar, with Jason Inglis firing the rebound in.
Gibson had more luck minutes later as another powerful shot beat former Peebles Rovers stopper Callan and his woodwork to find the net.
Selkirk thought they had capped a dramatic comeback when Inglis header made it 3-2, but the hosts did not give up and ex-Selkirk midfielder Craig Pinnons struck his fourth goal of the season for the equaliser.
It seemed extra time would be needed to settle this entertaining tie, until Watt stepped up to head in the winner.
Selkirk host Heriot-Watt University in the next round of the Image Printers Cup, but before then the Souters will hope their fine cup form continues for their Scottish Cup meeting with Vale of Leithen on September 29.
Selkirk: J. Dodds, K. Munro, B. Milven, J. Higginbottom, L. Pyrkosz, J. Aitken, L. Stephen (J. Watt 56), B. Tait (M. Holness 56), J. Gibson, J. Inglis, D. Battle.