And this worked a treat for Hawick Royal Albert at Albert Park on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, as far as Selkirk were concerned, it all went sadly wrong.

For, apart from losing 2-1 to the First Division table props, the Yarrow Park outfit had the misfortune to lose Euan Pritchard and Craig Wilson during the match with leg injuries which could well put them both on the sidelines for tomorrow's Premier Division home clash with Peebles (2pm). Michael Romanes will also be unavailable due to suspension.

Failure to make the most of their chances plus being kept at bay by a string of excellent saves by the Hawick keeper lost Selkirk the game. With several new faces in their line-up Hawick took an early lead when a Berwick United trialist latched onto a through ball and raced in to fire past visiting keeper John Dodds.

Selkirk dominated almost the entire remainder of the first half but just could not find their way past the Albert goalie, who pulled off three superb stops from Michael Mair.

After the break Selkirk did level, through Ian Potts's powerful strike. The visitors continued to push forward and substitute David Patterson was robbed of a goal by the post. Two minutes from time Gareth Watson put victory Hawick's way, leaving Dodds helpless with a shot on the run.

Last weekend Selkirk struggled to find the finishing touch at Islecroft Stadium against league leaders Dalbeattie Star.

Star set the pace from the off, an early goal from Scott Milligan and a Scott McQuade strike before half-time leaving the Souters two adrift. Frustration began to show in the second half. Milligan was pulled back by a Selkirk hand on 75 minutes and Lewis Sloan tied up the match from the spot.