PEEBLES Rovers got their league campaign off to a flying start with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Hawick Royal Albert at Whitestone Park last weekend.

Two goals from Jim Young and one from Daniel McAleavy ensured that Peebles walked away with all three points.

Peebles went into this game off the back of an earlier 1-0 defeat to Hawick in pre-season, so, the chance for three points and revenge must have been a tantalising prospect for John O’Hara’s men.

It was a fiercely contested match but Peebles landed an early blow when Scott Sutherland was pulled down in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

Jim Young stepped up to take the penalty and calmly fired it in past Hawick ‘keeper Kyle Rankin after fifteen minutes.

Peebles' confidence grew and Hawick were unable to retaliate due to a distinct lack of composure in front of goal; Hawick got forward well but seemed unable to convert any chances.

Peebles goalkeeper, Darren Walker, also had to be alert in the first half to deny Hawick an equaliser.

The second half, however, was a different story entirely with Hawick putting up a fierce fight for a goal.

Hawick striker, Blake Wales, gave the Peebles defence a headache with his sharp runs into the box. But, the reliable Darren Walker was on hand to pull of some superb saves.

Hawick’s chances to get back in the game were dented further after Daniel McAleavy added his name to the scoresheet with a tap in from a corner.

Peebles winger, Lee Zavaroni, ran riot and nearly added his name to the score sheet. But, he accidentally collided with Kyle Rankin. Breaths were held around Whitestone as both players went down. But, the two players were able to continue playing.

Despite having a mountain to climb, Hawick put in an admirable performance and repeatedly invaded Peebles half in their attempts to get a goal. But, there was to be more joy for Peebles and more misery for Hawick after Jim Young grabbed his second goal of the game.

The last ten minutes was a tense affair with numerous yellow cards on both sides. Hawick kept on pushing and were nearly rewarded with a goal after Bobby Nwanze launched a great shot at goal in the eighty fifth minute but this was ultimately stopped by Walker.

Peebles were keen to keep a clean sheet and their defence didn’t let them down and they successfully won a clean sheet and three points at full time to ensure a successful start.

The Rovers now look ahead to their league clash at New Hawthorn Park with Duns in the East of Scotland Football League next Saturday.

Peebles: D. Walker, J. Flockhart, D. McAleavy, J. Young, K. Munro, D. Richardson, S. Anderson, J Darling, S. Sutherland, C. Taylor, L. Zavaroni. Subs: D. Ndiweni, R. Harris, B. Edwards, C. McAleavy, C. Flockhart.