Peebles Rovers 2
Coldstream 5
KING CUP SECOND ROUND
GRANT MCKENZIE reports
from Whitestone Park
Peebles Rovers succumbed to Coldstream in a well-contested tie after two previous call-offs due to the condition of the pitch.
The visitors started brightly and almost went ahead after eight minutes, Robbie Armstrong linking well with John Crawford, but the chance was scrambled off the line.
The first goal arrived on 19 minutes thanks to Armstrong’s inventive high through-ball which found Daniel Cornish on the right of the area, who slotted home.
Armstrong was causing problems for the home defence. His pass to skipper Crawford allowed the big striker to score his 100th goal in the East of Scotland League.
Peebles were back in the game in the 41st minute. Working the ball deep into the area, Craig Edgar found Scott Watson unmarked at the back post for the easiest of tap-ins.
Despite Rovers’ continued attempts to find an equaliser, it was the visitors who found the net through Phil Johnston. His turn presented him with an opportunity that was well taken, finding its way to the bottom corner.
Despite the lack of regular games, Rovers have shown real resiliency and Saturday was no different. On 66 minutes it was 3-2 – Craig Edgar turning the ball in from six yards out at the front post after good work from Peter Conaghan.
The game was set up for a grandstand finish. However, it was not to be. Despite pressure to find an equaliser the game would end with two easy goals for the visitors.
A 10yd strike into the roof of the net after the one-two with Calum Kerr gave Craig Heugh the honour of putting the game beyond doubt before Crawford bundled home the fifth for Coldstream to add insult to injury.
Peebles Rovers: J. Nisbet, G. Young, D. Knox, J. Girwood, S. Joyce, P. Conaghan, N. Cairns, K. McKenzie, G. Shortreed, C. Edgar, S. Watson. Subs: G. Knox, D. Urey, J. Martin, D. McCall.