Red cards pave the way for brilliant Strollers fightback

THREE goals in the final ten minutes clinched all the points for Strollers in the second Central Taxis Premier League meeting to take place between these two teams in the space of a week.

Goals from Kevin Haynes and Craig Manson had set Athletic on their way to a revenge victory after a 2-1 defeat in midweek, but dismissals for Haynes and new signing Lindsay Stewart paved the way for a Strollers fightback, which was capped by John Dunn's winner in the 90th minute.

"It's a brilliant result for us," said Strollers co-manager Keith Stewart, whose side are now unbeaten in the league since mid-December. "We've said before that staying up was our target this season but, now we've made sure of that, we're asking ourselves 'why don't we push on for as high a position as we can?'"

"We've got some experienced players but we've got youngsters coming through too," added Andy Raeburn, the other half of Strollers' management team. "Now that we're in a comfortable position in the table, the players can start to relax on the park and start to win games by playing football instead of grinding out results."

Strollers now sit a comfortable fifth in the table, with the possibility of climbing further before the end of the season. In contrast, Preston remain just two places away from the drop zone, although bottom-of-the-table Coldstream's defeat to Edinburgh City on Saturday means that the Prestonpans club are now mathematically assured of Premier League survival. Only Selkirk can now be dragged into this season's single relegation spot. Preston didn't look like a team in trouble as they made a confident start to match, taking the lead in the 18th minute through Haynes, who tucked the ball away at the far post after meeting Gary Docherty's delivery.

Haynes was again in the thick of the action in the 35th minute when he was pulled down in the box. The referee pointed at the spot, but Stuart Miller's penalty straight down the centre was comfortably saved by Gavin Ramsey.

In the final minute of the half, Haynes was sent off for violent conduct after raising his hands towards his marker. Although not seen by the referee, the nearside linesman called his colleague over to report the incident.

Strollers started the second half with some urgency as they looked for a way to get back quickly into the game. Despite being down to ten men, Preston doubled their lead in the 65th minute thanks to a sublime 20-yard chip from Craig Manson which curled over Ramsey and nestled into the net.

The visitors then struck the woodwork in the 72nd minute when Bobby Gay's outlandish lob from 35 yards crashed off the top of the bar. Ramsey just managed to beat Manson to the loose ball.

Strollers continued to battle for a way back into the match, but it seemed like it might not be their day as Alan Wilson skied a gilt-edged opportunity from right in front of goal high of goal in the 77th minute.

But in the 80th minute, Strollers were handed a lifeline when Stewart pushed Dunn over in the box. The referee awarded a penalty and Stewart was dismissed for his reaction to the decision. Neil Campbell obliged from the spot.

Athletic had to bring forward Stuart Miller into the back line as they hastily rearranged their nine remaining players, but a fine strike from Wilson in the 83rd minute pulled Strollers level. In the 90th minute, Dunn side-footed home a Ross Miller cross to complete a rapid reversal of fortunes.

"In the end we just couldn't stop the wave of attacks in the last ten minutes," said Preston boss Stevie Myatt. "I'm really disappointed for the players. They put in a lot of effort and I'm very pleased with the way they played."

"There's nothing much else Stevie (Myatt] could do in those final ten minutes," said Keith Stewart. "We went through the same thing at Tynecastle a couple of weeks ago. We were 2-0 up but went down to nine men. We managed to hold on for the draw that day. Obviously, Preston didn't hold on, but I thought they were two very good finishes that got us the equaliser and then the winner."

Civil Service Strollers: Ramsey, Robertson, Raeburn, Jack, Hogarth, Miller (Forbes 72) Campbell, Newby, Dunn, Wilson, Bain. Subs: Russell, Rennie

Preston Athletic: Thomson, Cathcart, Stewart, Wales (Kerr 80) Scott, McColl, Manson (Cairnie 87) Gay () Miller, Haynes, Docherty (Laidlaw 87). Subs: Leighfield, McCaul.

Referee: Robert Thomson