Selkirk 1

BSC Glasgow 2

David Knox at Yarrow Park

BSC striker Jack Smith single-handedly sunk Selkirk with two stunning headers in a thrilling clash at Yarrow Park.

The Souters suffered a pre-kick off blow with Phil Addison and Dan Greig both calling off due to illness.

But Ian Fergus’ makeshift team could still feel aggrieved not to have earned at least a point from this pulsating duel.

And it was the 22-year-old former Arbroath and Kilby goal machine who was to prove the difference between the sides.

Smith told us: “We knew it would be tough down here and it was important I took my chances when they came.”

With victories at Spartans and East Stirlingshire as well as a draw at East Kilbride, BSC are already being considered genuine title contenders.

And they showed early on what the hype is about.

Smith’s opener came after 17 minutes as he manoeuvred into space to nod Stephen Murray’s cross beyond Gregor Amos.

Amos had already made a fine finger-tip save to deny Murray as well making a good block from Ross McMillan’s header.

But Selkirk, who have their own hopes of challenging towards the top, were also creating plenty as play swung from end to end.

David Banjo poked Murray Christie’s corner a foot wide of the target and both Daryl Healy and Ricky Miller forced good blocks from Ryan Marshall.

A wonder save from Marshall prevented Christie levelling just two minutes after the Smith opener.

The former Hearts full back latched onto Healy’s flick-on but the keeper somehow prevented the ball from crossing the line.

The former Celtic Under 20s keeper also made a good save with his feet to deny Sean Muhsin just after the half hour.

Selkirk’s equaliser came two minutes into the second half.

Sean McKirdy’s powerful shot was saved by Marshall but teenager Ciaran Chalmers pounced on the rebound to score.

A Banjo header floated just over as Selkirk attempted to edge in front for the first time.

And approaching 70 minutes Chalmers raced through two challenges to smash the ball into the side netting.

But with ten minutes remaining it was BSC who were to retake the lead as Smith spun away at the back post to create enough space to head home a deep cross.

Selkirk attempted to salvage a point with late pressure but Banjo’s low drive was saved by the feet of Marshall and an injury-time Miller freekick flew a foot over the bar.

Selkirk manager Fergus said: “It is really disappointing not to get something from the game.

“I felt we were the team playing the better football for most of the match.

“They are very route one but they play to their strengths and the boy took his two headers well.

“We created plenty of chances but, just like the recent defeat at Cumbernauld, we’re not turning them into goals.”

Selkirk. G Amos, R Sclater (U Koroma 82), R Donaldson, A Fleming, R Miller, M Christie (J Hopkinson 46), S Muhsin (L Turkington 74), D Healy, C Chalmers, D Banjo & S McKirdy.