Civil Service Strollers 2
Selkirk 3
Allan Milven at Christie Gillies park
SELKIRK Left it late to return to winning ways on Saturday.
And it took at 30-yard screamer from David Banjo to secure the points for Ian Fergus’ team.
Having lost their previous two games the Yarrow Park club were desperate to stop the rot.
Manager Fergus admits it took some changes for his team to get on top.
He said: “I set out a team for a physical type of game and that was the wrong decision.
“Once we had more attacking minded players on the park through a few forced substitutions we were much better.
“We have played a lot better than we did today – and we will play a lot better in the coming weeks – so it’s good to still come away with three points.”
Strollers almost broke the deadlock in the opening minutes as Gregor Amos spectacularly tipped Steven Froude’s effort onto the bar.
But the goal came at the other end as Kyle Fee’s backwards header looped over Stuart Burnside and into the net.
Amos was forced into another fine save to deny Froude before Selkirk began to get on top.
Sean McKirdy and Sean Muhsin both went close for the visitors.
And it took some scrambling defence to prevent Dan Greig’s long throws ending up in the net.
Kris Mitchell, who was released by Selkirk earlier in the month, came back to haunt his old team just three minutes after coming off the bench at half time.
Froude’s cross was tucked away by the striker at the back post with his first touch.
With the introduction of Ryan Sclater and Murray Christie Selkirk began pushing Strollers further back.
Greig shaved the bar with a header before Daryl Healy forced a spectacular save from Burnside with an overhead kick.
The goal eventually came through substitute Dale Baxter. The former Hearts player, who had just signed in the morning, weaved his way into space before unleashing a terrific shot into the net from 25 yards.
Just as Selkirk were pushing for their third they were caught on the counter attack. A long throw in the 84th minute found its way to Mitchell who headed home from close range.
With time running out Banjo collected a loose ball near the half way line before bursting through a challenge and rifling a stunning 30-yard shot into the top corner of the net.
Fergus added: “David’s goal was unbelievable and shows what he is capable of.
“I was also delighted with the contribution Dale made when he came off the bench.
“I have a really talented squad of players now – the hard part for me is selecting a team each week.”
Selkirk. G Amos, A Fleming (R Sclater 46), R Donaldson (M Christie 46), D Greig, R Millar, D Banjo, S Muhsin, J Hopkinson, S McKirdy (D Baxter 63), D Healy & C Chalmers. Subs not used: P Addison, R King, U Koroma & G Goodfellow.
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