Selkirk 2

KING CUP FIRST ROUND

FOLLOWING their disappointing first-round King Cup exit last weekend, Selkirk are ready to launch into a last-ditch do-or-die league campaign.

The Souters are deep in the relegation zone. Craigroyston already appear doomed, but one other club will go down with them.

This weekend, Selkirk take on third-placed Whitehill Welfare away from home.

Whitehill are going well at the moment and the Yarrow Park men have a hard task in front of them to gain the win they are so much in need of.

According to assistant coach Ally McCulloch, however, this is just the type of game Selkirk need to get them back on track – and he, for one, is looking forward to the challenge.

He told The Wee Paper: "It is a game where we can go all-out and try to get a result. They are at the top end of the table, so on paper we are not supposed to have a chance.

"This time of year often proves to be a strange time and some teams lose focus because they are out of contention for leagues and are safe from relegation.

"For us, it is life and death so maybe we can get a result if Whitehill underestimate us.

"It has been a frustrating campaign thus far as I honestly do not feel we belong in the bottom two of the league and, to date, we have not yet arrived at that level.

"So, with a bit of luck and an honest bit of effort from the lads, we should climb out of trouble soon.

"We have a full selection and know what we need to do."

A spirited performance at Peffermill was not enough to see the Souters through to the second round of the King Cup last weekend.

Despite there being a wealth of space between the two clubs in the East of Scotland Premier Division, Selkirk defied their lowly position by pushing high-flying Edinburgh Uni all the way.

Indeed, it was Selkirk who made an early impact on the game, when strikes from Craig Evendon and Gary Lothian stretched Uni keeper Scott Bennett to the max.

However, the Students went ahead after 15 minutes when American Liam Hughes slotted the ball past John Dodds for the opener.

Craig Livingston was once again to the fore as Selkirk searched for an equaliser, while Dodds played his part in keeping the city side at bay.

But 10 minutes before time, the home side struck again. This time it was Stewart Hogg who grabbed the glory. Although Dodds did well to save his original strike, Hogg managed to fire the rebound into the net.

Desperate to pull one back before the interval, Selkirk remained focused and were rewarded almost immediately when Gary Lothian fired a 20yd shot into the top corner of the net.

The game continued on an even keel until 25 minutes into the second half when Chris Woods slotted a third for the Students, but Selkirk refused to lie down and a successful penalty from Livingston set up an exciting end to the game, which the Souters were unfortunate to lose.

Selkirk: Dodds, Stephen, Milven, Anderson, Waldie, Potts (Brown 75), Romanes, C.