Whitehill defeat at Selkirk all but ends title hopes

WHITEHILL Welfare’s slim chances of overtaking Central Taxis Premier Division leaders Spartans suffered a major setback when they lost 1-0 to Selkirk through a Jason Cockburn strike. Whitehill trail Spartans by 24 points and now must win all of their eight remaining games and make up a deficit of 38 goals.

Spartans were on League Cup duty and beat Coldstream 1-0 with a Keith McLeod penalty. Edinburgh City defeated Civil Service Strollers 4-3 after extra time. Craig Dickson, Peter Newby and John Dunn the scorers for Stollers while Danny Denholm and a hat trick from Andy Howat sealed City’s victory. Michael Dick and James Craigen scored in Edinburgh University’s 2-1 victory over Eyemouth United, while Preston Athletic beat Kelso United on penalties after the teams finished 3-3 after extra time. Tynecastle beat Heriot-Watt 3-1, Lothian Thistle overcame Gala Fairydean 7-0 and Leith Athletic scored 16 goals against Hawick Royal Albert.

In the First Division, Stirling University took over top spot after beating Gretna 2008 1-0 while Vale of Leithen beat Peebles 4-0.