Selkirk 1-4 Civil Service Strollers

CIVIL SERVICE STROL’S4

Selkirk took a pounding in their South Challenge Cup second round tie on Saturday, from a team that are sitting mid table in the East of Scotland League.

Although conditions underfoot were far from ideal at Selkirk’s Yarrow Park, Alex Cunningham’s Strollers turned in an impressive showing to win 4-1 and claim their second Lowland League scalp of the season having defeated Whitehill Welfare in the Qualifying Cup in October.

Davy Stewart netted two early goals for Strollers as the Edinburgh side played their first competitive match in four weeks.

A second-half brace from Ian Ballantyne completed the scoring for Strollers with Jordan Allan netting with a diving header for Garry O’Connor’s team.

“We didn’t play to the conditions,” said Selkirk boss O’Connor.

“Passing the ball about is how we play but it didn’t work for us as the park was so heavy.”

Cunningham, on the other hand was delighted: “The pitch wasn’t ideal but I know they were very keen to get the game on after the previous call-offs and I know our players were champing at the bit to play,” he said.

“We defended well under pressure and scored some excellent goals, a brilliant day for the lads.”