Tynecastle to the four

Tynecastle leapt three places up the Central Taxis Premier Division last night after beating Preston Athletic 4-1 at the Pennypit.

Tynecastle took the lead in the fourth minute when a Paul Devlin corner was headed home by John Williams. Wayne McIntosh, Robbie Arthur and Devlin all missed opportunities for Tynecastle before McIntosh did net with a low shot from 16 yards in the 26th minute.

Preston were fortunate to be only two goals behind at half-time but shortly after the break they conceded another goal when Dean Knight crossed and Devlin took a couple of touches before scoring with an overhead kick.

Preston fought back immediately and Mark Pagliarulo scored from the penalty spot after a deliberate handball and although Preston missed some gilt-edged chances, with Marc Lothian the main culprit, Tynecastle sealed the points in the last minute when Knight dashed through to lob Ross Gilpin from the edge of the penalty box.

In the other Premier Division fixture, Vale of Leithen won 1-0 at Heriot-Watt University courtesy of a sixth-minute Scott Moffat header.

In the Premier Division tonight, Edinburgh City host Civil Service Strollers at Meadowbank Stadium and Lothian Thistle entertain Whitehill Welfare at Saughton Enclosure. Both games kick-off at 7.30pm.