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Mark Lamb’s Coldstream, coming off the back of a much improved performance against Whitehill Welfare, were feeling optimistic of their chances of getting something from Saturday’s home fixture against the high flying Lothian Thistle. The early exchanges were competitive with tackles flying in from both sets of players, notably from Brydon, who was put in the book early for following through on an opponent aerially in a challenge he clearly one fairly. Crawford went close on two occasions to open the scoring for the Streamers. The Thistle keeper first made a good save to deny him in a one on one and then Crawford managed to get to his feet first after a 50/50 with the Lothian stopper only for the forward to hit wide with the goal at his mercy. The same player also broke down the left in the first half, before fizzing a ball across goal. To his disappointment, there were no players in blue willing to throw themselves at it. Walters was called upon in the Coldstream goal too, tipping an effort around the post and also saving from point blank range from the visitors forward. The loud and inspiring presence of McIntosh was clearly the difference and the experienced forward, who once plyed his trade with Whitehill Welfare, latched onto a through ball before lashing the ball home. Minutes later, the visitors extended their lead through Hall, who played a neat one-two on the edge of the box before slotting past the helpless Walters. The home side then went close through Mya, only for his shot to fly wide of the post.

A change in formation in the second half saw Lamb’s men go 4-3-3 in an attempt to get back into the game. With the tall Brydon playing central up top, a comeback seemed on the cards on the hour as he rose to meet a Fleming cross. The revival was to prove short lived however with the side from Saughton regaining the two goal advantage through their right back, who burst forward from his fullback position to find himself free at the back post to tap home. McIntosh then bagged his fourth goal – smashing home with his left foot before completing his hat-trick with another cool finish. Hall got his second towards the end before one of the visitors substitutes got on the scoresheet to add number seven.

A poor performance from Coldstream and with games running out quickly, they still find themselves four points adrift of safety and their local rivals Selkirk.

Pictured right - Dougie Brydon who netted the Streamers only goal.

Coldstream – Walters, Fleming, Fleming, Brown, Brydon, Osborne, Coleman, Henderson, Crawford, Mya, Hebdon. Substitutes – Tyson, Inglis, Martin, Evans, Gibson.