John O’Hara’s team travelled to the K Park as underdogs against the Lowland League high-fliers.

But they would have hoped to have started better.

Jack Smith darted away from Dale Richardson inside the opening minute to fire the home team in front.

Liam Gormley rattled home a second inside the quarter hour as the Rovers defence were stretched again.

And just two minutes later Gormley burst away to square for Smith to make it three.

The pressure was almost relentless and a minute later Smith collected his hat-trick after more good work from Gormley.

Jim Young was penalised for handball inside the area on the half hour.

And Gormely tucked away the spot kick to make it five.

Dale Richardson thought he’d pulled a goal back just before the break with a header but he was ruled offside.

Peebles performed better in the second half.

But a straight red card for Paul Murray just before the hour gave Kilby further advantage.

Within two minutes of the sending off Gormely snatched his hat-trick.

Craig Howie made it seven from close range with 12 minutes to go.

And in the closing stages substitute Marc Templeton completed the rout with a powerful strike from 30 ayrds.

Peebles Rovers: D walker, J Flockhart, K Munro, J Young, D Richardson, S Meikle, S Anderson, C Flockhart, S Anderson, P Munro & J Darling. Subs C Taylor, L Zavaroni, R Harris, B Edwards & D Ndiweni.