Leithen Rovers 1

Kelso Thistle 2

LEITHEN Rovers crashed out at the first stage of the Wright Cup after narrowly losing 2-1 to a battling Kelso Thistle.

Rovers led for more than an hour but a poor second half display meant they eventually allowed Kelso back in to sneak the victory, albeit thanks to a very controversial offside decision.

Rovers started the game brightly and soon found themselves 1-0 up after a neat passing move.

After several good passes, winger Connor Brunton picked the ball up on the left and slotted a lovely through ball to Finlay Muir.

The athletic striker showed great composure to smash the ball low into the bottom corner.

The same two players combined again to give Rovers there next clear chance after half an hour.

This time Muir slipped in Brunton who crossed the ball beautifully to Dillon Rice, who had plenty of time to take a touch and slot the ball away but instead opted to shoot first time and blazed the ball high and wide from 10 yards out.

Rice could perhaps use a training session or two practicing his finishing and keeping his composure.

Rovers went into half time 1-0 up having limited Kelso to very few chances and showing some good battling throughout the half. However the second half was a different story, the desire and fight seemed to have disappeared from the Rovers game, with Cammy Mackie looking particularly tired in the centre of the park.

Kelso began to take control of the game beating the Rovers to every ball and showing a lot more determination.

They were eventually rewarded after 76th when a long ball forward was met by the head of their enormous striker and passed keeper Scott Duncanson into the net. Two minutes later Kelso took the lead as the broke through Rovers far too easily before a good low finish from the Kelso player.

Rovers finally started to show a bit of urgency, the introduction of Peebles Ams legend Jamie King and veteran Tosh Fleming improved their play dramatically.

Rovers should have been level after 89 minutes, Duncanson played a long freekick forward which was misjudged by one Kelso centre back before bouncing over the head of the other and onto a heavy looking Fleming who smashed the ball home expertly. Celebrations were cut short as the referee blow for an offside, a phantom touch off a Rovers player the alleged reason.

A very dubious decision which when questioned the referee could not even explain. This was to be the last chance of the game and although they might feel slightly aggrieved with the controversial decision, Rovers know they only have themselves to blame after an abysmal second half.

Leithen Rovers next game is tomorrow away to Gala Hotspur at Public Park, 2pm kick off.

Leithen Rovers: S.Duncanson, A.Gillie, K.Stevens, M.Craig, S.Fleming (J.Zokas), C.Mackie, A.Edmiston, C.Brunton (J.King), D.Rice (C.Hope), D.Meldrum (T.Fleming), F.Muir. Subs not used: C.Wilson