Peebles Rovers 0 Spartans 2

AN impressive performance which pushed a top Lowland League side all the way would satisfy most East of Scotland teams.

But the comments of Peebles Rovers’ manager John O’Hara after his men lost 2-0 to Spartans in the South Challenge Cup sums up why they have enjoyed so much success in recent seasons.

O’Hara said: “Our guys are absolutely gutted about the result.

“Spartans are a quality side who came here and were very professional but we pushed them close.

“It doesn’t matter who we play, whether it is Spartans or Eyemouth, we will have a go but we just couldn’t take our chances today.”

Dougie Samuel and a few first team players were missing from Whitestone Park ahead of Spartans’ Scottish Cup tie at Elgin City this weekend, but there was still plenty quality and experience in their line-up, including ex-Dundee defender Eddie Malone and former Arbroath striker Robbie Ross.

But throughout the first period, Peebles showed no fear and at times played better football than their opponents.

The first chance arrived when Rovers’ midfielder Jason Darling set up Chris Flockhart, whose effort was saved by Blair Carswell.

Craig Stevenson then burst through Peebles backline only to fire wide but in general centre backs Jim Young and Dale Richardson kept the visitors at bay.

A brilliant passing move gave Paul Murray a great chance six yards out for Peebles, only for Carswell to make an outstanding block with his leg.

But Peebles number one Darren Walker also made a good stop to deny Mark Gair’s 20 yard shot just before half time.

Ross did little throughout the match but he did score the vital first goal when he glanced a header past Walker from a Gary Cennerazzo cross six minutes into the second half.

Darling continued to impress in the second half and he almost forced an equaliser on two occasions, only for Carswell to make another great save from his fierce shot, before his second effort flew just wide.

But the tie was sealed in Spartans’ favour 15 minutes from time when a goalmouth stramash ended with Ewan Saunderson heading home.

Spartans coach Darren Cameron said: “We knew it would be a tough game but the players were outstanding and it sets us up nicely for the Elgin tie.”

Peebles Rovers: D. Walker, L. Zavaroni, D. McAleavy, J. Young, D. Richardson, C. McAleavy, C. Flockhart (R. Harris 84), J. Darling, P. Murray, B. Edwards, D. Ndiweni (S. Sutherland 55).