FORMER Scotland star Garry O’Connor claims wasn't put off becoming Selkirk manager despite suffering a 5-1 defeat in his first match as caretaker boss.

The 33-year-old watched in horror as an Iain Anderson double and a Scott Milligan strike eased Gretna into a three goal lead approaching the hour at Yarrow Park.

O’Connor’s arrival on the pitch couldn’t prevent a further strike from Danny Graham and a James Harley own-goal extending Gretna’s lead to five.

The former Hibs and Birmingham striker did score a late consolation to make it 5-1.

O’Connor said: “Our desire and commitment was good but we gave away two goals against the run of play through stupid individual mistakes and then we went chasing the game.

“We missed a penalty and squandered a dozen chances – on another day we’d have won.

“This whole management thing has been sprung on me but I do fancy it. I’m a bit deflated with today’s score but I do want to get involved in management.

“I want to do what’s best for myself and the club. If I do get the job it will be as a player manager as I can still score goals.”

Edinburgh City extended their lead at the top of the Lowland League to 12 points with an 8-2 thrashing of Preston Athletic at the Pennypit.

Ross Allum netted a first-half hat-trick for Gary Jardine’s team.

Sean Muhsin waded in with a second-half double, and Jordan Caddow, Frazer Paterson and Dean Carse also found the net.

Josh McGonigal and James Martin were on target for Preston.

Stirling University moved up to second with a 3-1 win over Vale of Leithen at Victoria Park.

Edinburgh University moved away from second bottom with a 5-0 hammering of Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Jack Guthrie scored two for the Students with Joe Aitken, Pete Mair and Andrew Finlay also getting on the scoresheet at Netherdale.

Cumbernauld Colts followed up their Scottish Cup win over Auchinleck to leapfrog Dalbeattie in the league with a 2-0 win.

Ross McKinnon and Aaron Connoly both scored for BSC Glasgow before the break at bottom side Threave with Ged Traynor adding a third midway through the second half.