HE fixes roofs for a living but on Saturday Des Sutherland lifted one at Yarrow Park.

The tenacious, and undoubtedly gifted, striker saved Selkirk from plummeting into the East First Division with the most important hat-trick of his life.

And his manager was full of praise. Bryan Templeton told us: "I don't think I've ever had so many emotions in such a short space of time. The players fought to the end and when you have someone like Des who can score from anywhere, you know you're in with a chance. This is a day I won't forget in a long time." Selkirk know all about surviving. They've finished one place above the relegation zone in three of their four seasons in the Premier Division - the other, 2007-08, they finished second bottom but league reconstruction during the summer saved them yet again.

But for all of that experience, nothing could have prepared the Yarrow Park faithful for Saturday's twists and turns.

It was simple - Selkirk had to win while neither Preston Athletic, who faced Edinburgh City, or Heriot-Watt University, who entertained the students of Stirling, collected three points.

Despite a nervy start Sutherland blasted a terrific freekick in off the post on 44 minutes to give Selkirk the lead. Half-time scores from the Pennypit and Riccarton were both one-all. There was hope.

But Selkirk haven't won a single game in 14 attempts - regularly conceding leads late in games.

And when big John Williams scored two quick-fire headers for Tynecastle around the hour mark it was beginning to look ominous. News that Preston had gone in front led to even more dark clouds gathering above the picturesque little ground.

But up steps the ray of sunshine that is Sutherland.

Andy Hardie was upended in the area by Mark Law on 64 minutes to allow the striker to equalise from the penalty spot.

Grant Gass blasted a shot against the post as the Souters charged forward in numbers. And the pressure paid off with 10 minutes remaining as Sutherland dived low to head Lee Stephens' cross beyond Ross McMullen.

On the touchlines many celebrated - but many more were only too aware that Preston still led City. Oh, ye of little faith.

With two minutes of normal time remaining at Yarrow Park news filtered through that City had equalised and Stirling were winning at Heriot-Watt. The celebrations began - but for a further five minutes Selkirk had to endure some late pressure. Was there to be one last dreadful twist?

Stephen, Barry Milven, Ryan McManus and Euan Pritchard defended like demons and keeper John Dodds used every ounce of his considerable experience to keep things calm.

Final whistles blew at Yarrow Park and the Pennypit almost simultaneously - Selkirk had done it.

Comparisons were quickly being made to that epic POW effort through the Tom, Dick and Harry tunnels of Stalag Luft 111. They won't make a film about Saturday's Great Escape - but I'm sure there are many who would like to pin a medal on the lapel of a certain Mr Sutherland.

Full-time: Selkirk 3 - 2 Tynecastle Selkirk. J Dodds, L Stephen, B Milven, R McManus, E Pritchard, A Hardie, W Mercer, G Gass, D Sutherland, J Gibson & T Craggs.