Peebles out to build on rare victory

Jason GIRDWOOD took over the managerial reins at Peebles Rovers in mid-October and has already achieved what no previous incumbent in the job had managed since September 2011 – a league victory.

Peebles won 2-0 at Berwick Rangers Reserves in the Central Taxis First Division last weekend to end their long barren run and Girdwood has warned tomorrow’s opponents, Leith Athletic, that they will face a very different Peebles side from the one they beat 2-1 last month.

“Leith Athletic are a very good team and I know all about their strengths and weaknesses having lost narrowly 2-1 to them in October,” said Girdwood. “However, since then our team has changed and Leith will probably only recognise four or five players because of our changes. We are looking good going forward and our two main strikers, Peter Conaghan and Craig Edgar, both scored against Berwick.

“It will be tough against Leith although again we will be at full strength and I’m optimistic our guys know what is expected of them after two well-attended training sessions this week. They are certainly up for it.”

Reflecting on last weekend’s win, Girdwood added: “The players were fantastic. Our fitness levels were excellent and the attitude of everybody was superb. We are genuinely making forward steps and even the Berwick manager said to me after the game that we looked as if we had turned the corner. Our new signings, Greig Young and John Manson, made a big difference.”

Leith Athletic, unbeaten in the league, welcome back Chris Barrie, with Dougie Thom the only injury doubt.