Students sit top after second successive win

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY won their second successive game when they beat Preston Athletic 3-0 to move to the top of the Central Taxis Premier Division.

The students, who defeated Tynecastle at the weekend, took the lead midway through the first half when defender Mark Cathcart hit a shot over the goalline via the underside of the crossbar. Struan Scott-Woodhouse increased their advantage early in the second half before Calum Murray added a third with a powerful shot.

"One or two things went in our favour," said University head coach, Douglas Samuel. "It is a fantastic start for us because our first priority every season is to gather enough points to keep us in the Premier Division."

Heriot-Watt University also recorded a very good away win when they defeated Civil Service Strollers 2-0. Jordan Irvine, son of Edinburgh University coach Neil Irvine, in only his second game for Heriot-Watt, opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he was handily placed to prod home a Ronnie Napier cross from close range.

Ross Millar did have the ball in the net for the Strollers but from an offside position and, only seven minutes into the second half, Jimmy Rae picked out Michael Connor and he scored with a stunning shot from 20 yards into the top corner of the net.

"I thought we deserved the win and the pleasing aspect was keeping a clean sheet," ?said head coach Michael Renwick. Andy Raeburn, the Strollers joint manager, said: "Heriot- Watt moved the ball quicker and better than us."

Lothian Thistle inflicted a second successive defeat on Tynecastle when they beat the home side 2-0. Lloyd Dignan netted the first with a left-foot strike before Jamie Butler sealed all three points with a shot that went in off the post.

Spartans, meanwhile, after their 1-1 draw with Edinburgh City at the weekend, have a tricky Central Taxis Premier Division away game at Stirling University tonight, kick-off 7.00pm.

Stirling, with eight new signings, beat Selkirk 6-0 in their first-ever top flight match and even at this very early stage of the season the students could well be considered as serious title challengers. Spartans have no injury concerns and joint managers Sam Lynch and Mike Lawson may give a starting berth to striker David Etale, who came on as a substitute against City and almost earned the Ainslie Park club all three points with a shot which was cleared off the goal-line.

Whitehill Welfare, after their 3-2 defeat to Preston Athletic, entertain Edinburgh City at Ferguson Park. City will give late fitness tests to Ruaraidh Scott and Darren Moonie.

In the Borders, Vale of Leithen, without their suspended striker Steven Radzynski, host near neighbours Selkirk while, in the First Division, Craigroyston welcome back into contention James Binnie when they travel to play Ormiston.

Easthouses Lily are still without the suspended John Baigrie although Neil Ferry has completed his suspension and is available to manager Dave McQueenie.

Leith Athletic make the journey to England to face newcomers to the league, Berwick Rangers Reserves, and Gretna 2008 are also on their travels to meet Hawick Royal Albert.

Elsewhere, Gala Fairydean await Kelso United and Eyemouth United have a derby against their border neighbours Coldstream.