BOSS BROWNLEE DIGS DEEP
WHILE many around them may have been sipping sangrias, Selkirk's footballers have blown the dust off their boots with a hectic pre-season schedule
But although Paul Brownlee's men have been performing well, the Yarrow Park boss has concerns ahead of this weekend's East of Scotland premier division opener against newly-promoted Stirling University.
He told the Wee Paper: "We have a pool of 20 signed players, and it's just as well for we have five players missing tomorrow. Three are on holiday, one is suspended and another is working. It's quite incredible."
As well as having a busy closed season on the pitch, Brownlee and his team have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure they have the depth required in their squad to challenge during the early stages. New faces this season include Paul Hossack, Scott Mackenzie and Des Sutherland (all from Gala Fairydean); Craig Pinnons and Shaun Hardie (Gala Rovers); Callum Hope (Hawick Legion) and Jason Inglis (Coldstream).
Brownlee is still playing a cautious game, however. "It's a tough opener against Stirling for they will be tuned in as well, and, being promoted into the premier division, will be wanting to impress," he said.
A mainly under-19 Hamilton Accies XI travelled to take on Selkirk on Monday night in a friendly at Yarrow Park, and won 3-1.
Skipper Lee Kilday put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute, knocking in David Hopkirk's free kick. Grant Gillespie doubled the lead in the 37th minute after a solo run before Euan Lindsay made it 3-0 for Allan McGonigal's side in the 74th minute when he finished off a good move involving several players.
The home side netted in the final minute after a defensive lapse allowed new boy Pinnons to lob the visiting goalie.
Monday's game was the last in a good run of pre-season matches for the Souters which saw defeats to East Fife (7-1), Albion Rovers (1-0) and Rangers (2-0), and a 4-2 victory over Hawick Waverley.
"I am pleased with the way the pre-season friendlies have gone for us. We have played well and the boys are sharp and fit." added Brownlee.
z Selkirk will play their postponed pre-season match against Hibernian on Monday, August 23.
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Weather for Selkirk
Saturday 11 February 2012
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