Relegation looms

DEFENDING champions Leithen Rovers face almost certain relegation from the Border Amateur Division A, unless they can find a miracle worker.

The Innerleithen team, who have been one of the forces of local amateur football for over a decade, turned up at Hawick with only 11 players.

And their manager Chris Wilson is currently serving a 12-week match ban.

It was always going to be a tough ask but the Victoria Park side did ride their luck during the opening 20 minutes and could easily have snatched a shock lead themselves as Alan McMath spun away in the mud to flash a shot across goal.

But Legion, who were impressive in the opening stages, finally made the breakthrough on 22 minutes.

Ewan Gray darted down the left flank and his low cross was expertly steered into the bottom corner by Michael Moir.

Former Albert midfielder Sean Owens should have sealed the points just three minutes later but missed an open goal from 15 yards.

McMath again used his pace to get away from the home defence on 38 minutes but keeper Ewan Reilly saved well with his legs.

Legion’s all-important second came on the stroke of half time with Moir running onto a long clearance and rounding Chris Smith for a tap in.

Despite Leithen’s youth and inexperience, with only three players remaining from last season’s title winning side, they came out fighting after the break.

Reece Porter should have reduced the deficit on 49 minutes but he blasted the ball a foot over the bar from inside the area.

Cameron Mackie also had a pop at goal from 25 yards which forced the save from Reilly.

The introduction of former Leithen favourite Calum Hope to the home ranks turned the match once again in Legion’s favour.

The driving instructor steered a shot just wide before being denied again by a tremendous Smith save.

But the goal did come on 68 minutes with Hope pouncing on a loose ball to place a shot in the far bottom corner.

Despite having no substitutes the tiring visitors plugged on to the end and they were almost rewarded as Steven Fleming’s late effort was cleared off the line.

Legion co-manager Tony Craggs said: “It was a good performance from us and I thought we played good football in the conditions.

“Leithen Rovers aren’t the team they were last year but they still make it tough.

“It’s a crazy league this year and you don’t know who is going to win. All we can do is keep going and keep picking up points and you just never know.”

Hawick Legion. E Reilly, J Dickson, G Moffat (J Caldwell 58), A Maltman, A Reilly, J Easdon, C Caldwell (C Hope 58), S Owens, M Moir, S Duncan & E Gray (S Philbin 62).

Leithen Rovers. C Smith, A Edmiston, J Zokas, T Fleming, S Fleming, M Ormiston, T McDonald, C Mackie, R Porter, A McMath & C Brunton.