BSC Glasgow 1

Selkirk 1

David Knox at the Indodrill Stadium

SOUTERS boss Ian Fergus hailed his players after a determined fightback saw them earn a valuable point in Alloa.

BSC Glasgow have ambitions of becoming a top four team in the Lowland League.

And manager Mark Adams is assembling a talented squad who look capable of competing for honours.

But on Saturday they were matched for long periods by an improving Selkirk.

Following the final whistle manager Fergus praised his team’s spirit. He said: “You’ve got to battle when you come to places like BSC.

“They were in the ascendency at times but our game management is much better than what it was just a few weeks ago and we are able to match these teams now.

“We are looking much more solid in defence and we caused them problems with balls down the lines and over the top.

“When you have players like Phil Addison you are capable of beating any team and I thought we showed great character to come back the way we did.”

Selkirk almost caught BSC off guard in the opening exchanges as both Addison and debutant Jordan Hopkinson fired inches over with angled shots.

Ricky Miller, who has just agreed to stay at Yarrow Park for a further season, also forced a terrific save from Stephen Barr with a powerfully driven freekick from 25 yards.

But BSC have plenty of quality – especially in attacking full backs Shaun Bowers and Gerard Traynor – and they began to create their own chances.

Miller made a vital clearance in front of goal as Bowers won a back post header.

And Traynor rattled the bar with a stunning freekick approaching the half hour.

The 22-year-old former Clyde player did make the breakthrough just eight minutes later with another freekick from 25 yards – this time his curling effort nestled in the top corner.

Only a miraculous reaction save from Gregor Amos prevented Blair Lyons doubling the advantage on 40 minutes.

But Selkirk also went close with Gary Nicholson’s speculative angled cross from 35 yards landing on the bar.

The half time introduction of Melrose teenager Kerr Scott gave Selkirk a fresh attacking threat – and he almost made an immediate impact with a deft chip from the edge of the area which floated inches over the bar.

Amos made another timely save approaching the hour to push away Robbie Duncan’s effort.

Striker Thomas Orr followed up by clipping the outside of the post with the loose ball.

But Selkirk were looking more and more of a threat themselves with Fraser Neave, Unpha Koroma and Ross King doing well to turn the tide in midfield.

Only a fantastic one-handed save from Barr on his goalline prevented Miller’s header finding the net from a Scott corner.

With quarter of an hour remaining they did draw level as Addison darted in from the right flank to pick out Scott with an inch-perfect pass and the 19-year-old smashed the ball into the net from five yards out.

Glasgow pushed players forward in the closing stages with both Andrew Fleming and Miller making crucial tackles around the area.

But it was Selkirk who almost snatched a late winner as Koroma burst into the area to force a good save from Barr with his angled drive.

Fergus added: “I’m sure BSC would agree that a draw was a fair reflection on the game.”

Border Telegraph Man of the Match: Ricky Miller

Selkirk: G Amos, R Sclater, A Fleming, R Miller, M Christie, G Nicholson (K Scott 46), R King, U Koroma, J Hopkinson, F Neave (M Collin 77) & P Addison. Unused subs: E Tshibugu, J Harley, C Sheridan, M Donaghue & P Beagley.