Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 01/12/14

Monday’s puzzle
01/12/1401/12/14
01/12/14

ACROSS

8 Designed strainer to keep things in check (8)

9 Hold onto exercise regime, although lacked focus, initially (4,2)

10 After second time, criticises bands (6)

11 Head off with best friend to get an appraisal (8)

12 Sound sincere, to be exact (4)

13 Know how to lift up redundant son (10)

15 Compensates for not working with company on Sunday (7)

17 Rush away in panic, losing energy, in 25 down (7)

20 Pick the last new church as favourite (10)

22 Crash at speed, when a bit daring (4)

24 Came across to put in an appearance (6,2)

26 Right time to back old fellow, but walked all over him (4,2)

27 It’s obvious a convalescent would miss one (6)

28 Regulates spy-masters, so calls the shots (8)

DOWN

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1 May drive one up the wall, but it’s safe to take son (6)

2 It’s not right to have flags on board ships (8)

3 Will small pumas rest up when well enough? (4,6)

4 Is not prepared to take action, just like Ethelred (7)

5 Go down hill, at last, in a sudden slight shower of snow (4)

6 Allow prime time broadcast (6)

7 Leave behind a little girl at a station (8)

14 Is falling back, when about to negotiate in good order (10)

16 Protocols needed to make the French enter America (8)

18 Come out to ride, although no great shakes (8)

19 Examine small creatures having little power (7)

21 Point out that head girl is in more fashionable surroundings (6)

23 Use small instruments to make old thrones from stumps (6)

25 Office has an obligation to levy tax (4)