Peebles Rovers 4

Coldstream 3

Neil Hobson at Whitestone Park

ALAN McMath grabbed his third hat-trick of the season as Peebles Rovers battled back to defeat Coldstream.

In Rovers' first league match since a 2-1 defeat to Heriot-Watt on November 25, Ger Rossi's team had to ride their luck at times in what was a chaotic and action-packed game.

The four Peebles goals were testament to the quality of their attack, as Rovers had to fight back from losing positions twice.

Inside the first minute, McMath tore off down the left looking to play in an advancing Zavaroni. His cross found the captain, but saw it fly over the bar.

The next seven minutes were simply insane, both teams wiring into each other as they desperately battled for the opening goal.

The tide soon turned in the Streamers’ favour, with Kieran Lee tucking home the first goal of the game from close-range to make it 1-0 after eight minutes.

As expected, Coldstream grew in confidence and looked to deliver the killing blow with a rapid second goal.

Colin Smith had to be on his toes as he moved across to disarm Coldstream wide-man Gary Windram, who stormed down the left.

McMath, so often the hero for Rovers this season, could very well write his name into Peebles folklore at his current rate.

On the back of an outrageously good ball from Michael McEwan, Speedy went one-on-one with former Rover, Jamie Shiel, and tucked the ball away.

Coldstream went in front just minutes later.

Things soon balanced out though as Rovers pulled the game back again, this time through McEwan who lashed the ball high into the net on 36 minutes.

The second-half was more of the same full-throttle football.

Kris Dixon popped up once more to blast Coldstream into the lead early in the second-half.

Controversy arrived on 56 minutes after Rovers claimed they had scored in a goalmouth tangle.

McMath and McEwan were battering the life out of the woodwork to no avail.

Fortunately, Rovers had a little luck and it didn’t take long for Rossi’s men to equalise once more.

Despite being one of the smallest players on the park, McMath leaped like a salmon to head home a Schulz-Keith corner.

Rovers were then gifted with a golden opportunity to finish Coldstream off as McMath won a penalty after being fouled in the box.

David Lindsay stepped up to swing the axe, but saw his effort bounce off the woodwork to be cleared away by Coldstream.

The battle raged on, but was soon brought to an almighty conclusion as McMath powered home another header to make it 4-3.

Peebles: McGinley, Dodds, Brown, C Smith, J Smith, Rossi, McMath, Zavaroni, Renwick, Schulz-Keith, McEwan. Subs: Mackay, Lindsay, G Lamb, Forrest