All square in local derby

Published 7 Aug 2009 12:24 0 Comments

Leithen Rovers 1 v 1 Peebles FC

IT was a local derby in every sense, no quarter given - and a number of sendings off.

However, prior to kick-off both managers agreed with the ref that rather than flashing the red card, substitutions and a ten minute cooling-off period would better suit.

Thankfully the ref agreed as both sides contested a full-blooded encounter at Victoria Park.

Borders Amateur League side Leithen Rovers opened the scoring on 15 mins through new signing and ex-Kelso Uniied midfielder, Craig Lawrie.

The home side continued to dominant after this peppering the Peebles goal and drawing keeper David Symonds into a host of fine saves.

It took until ten minutes before the end before East Of Scotland side Peebles broke through the Leithen Rovers defence to equalise.

Leithen Rovers manager Paul Graham said: "I feel the scoreline somewhat flatters Peebles a little. We could easily have been four or five nil up in the first half.

"And all our keeper had to do all game was pick the ball out of the net that one time. I expeceted more from them to be honest.

"There were a few meaty challenges and a bit of handbags off the ball but that's to be expected in a derby.

"We played a 4-3-1-2 system for the first time and still have five more players to come back in so we're looking good for the upcoming season."

Peebles boss Gary French said: "That Leithen Rovers side have played together for na number of years now and it showed.

"Ten of our 17-man squad m are new additions so we're still trying to gel on the park. That should come though in the next few weeks.

"However It was good workout with no quarter given and the lads are beginning to look a little bit more comfortable."

Peebles face another derby to kick-off their season next weekend when they travel once more to Innerleithen to face Vale of Leithen.

Meanwhile Leithen Rovers face a trip to Hawick Waverley on August 29 to start their campaign.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 07 Aug 09

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