EARLSTON Rhymers were denied a morale boosting win after Division B leaders Tweedmouth Amateurs grabbed a last minute equaliser.

Relegation threatened Rhymers have had a troubled season so far, including a three point deduction for failing to field a team against Langlee Amateurs last month.

But Earlston put up an excellent showing against Tweedmouth taking the lead twice through Gary Lothian and new signing Scott Rice before Lothian was sent off and the Amateurs grabbed a point with a late Shane Macgregor goal.

An Earlston spokesperson said: “It was tough to take for the lads but very encouraging signs with players back from suspension and lots of new faces including Scott Rice and Ritchie Ritchie back for his second stint at the club.”

A Jack Hay double saw Newtown close the gap on the top of the league with a 4-1 win over Leithen Rovers, while Sean Robertson also scored two for third placed Duns Amateurs as they defeated Hawick Legion 3-1.

Hawick United extended their lead in Division A as Kevin Paterson, Michael Moir and Sean Clarke found the net in a 3-1 victory over Langholm Legion.

United lead by three points after Greenlaw needed a late goal by Ryan Beveridge to rescue a point at Tweeddale Rovers.

Stow and Gala Hotspur’s troubles continued as both suffered disappointing home defeats.

Stow were hammered 6-3 by Jed Legion despite Graeme Whiteford scoring two for the Villagers, while Daniel Pattenden got a double of his own for Chirnside in their 4-2 win at Gala.

Division C leaders Ancrum played out a five-all thriller with nearest challengers Tweedmouth Harrow at Bridgend.

Tom Alderson, Martin Gibson and Declan Bell scored for Gala Fairydean Rovers but they were held to a draw at St Boswells which could all but end Gala’s hopes of promotion.

Ryan Wedderburn bagged a hat-trick for Highfields in a 6-0 win over bottom side Tweeddale Amateur Colts while Kelso Amateurs and Melrose drew 4-4.