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These two sides had already played out a 3-3 draw this season, and this was another even match. Peebles will feel desperately unlucky to end up on the losing side, but South Queensferry defended strongly and were clinical in front of goal. Most of the goals were scored in an entertaining first half, with Peebles finding an equaliser in the second to take the game to extra time. Kirkliston though managed to nick it in the added twenty minutes.
The home side started brightly and took an early lead. Michael Smith had already gone close for them before Lewis Swan found the net. Calum Johnson’s cross from the right found Luke Maclean who had his effort blocked, but Swan finished from the rebound.
Peebles found confidence from the goal and were determined to try and play in their opponent’s half. Smith was at the heart of most of their play, trying to dictate proceedings. Luke Maclean was the main threat in attacking positions.
But Kirkliston were still very much in the game and a threat on the counter. It was from one of these counters that they drew level. Thomas Clark was the man to finish it off, after great play and a through pass from Ronnie McGill.
Peebles were not perturbed by conceding the goal, and won a corner straight from kick off after positive play from Maclean and Johnson. Shortly after, Maclean had another shot well saved by Lewis Houston.
They would live to regret the missed opportunities, with their visitors edging in front. Having scored the first, Clark turned provider. He played in Sam Rankin who did really well to hold off his marker and fire high into the net.
Ross Lynch nearly made it three soon after, going close with a turn and shot having been played in by McGill.
McGill was heavily involved yet again when they did find a third. He sent Lynch clear down the right and Lynch crossed for Rankin to score his second.
This was becoming a really exciting, end to end match, so it was no surprise when Peebles clawed one back. A goalmouth scramble ensued after a Smith corner, and Kyle Erskine was finally able to fire into the net.
Smith was popping up everywhere, and Niall Reid almost benefited from his creativity before the referee blew for half time to give everyone a much needed breather. It had been an even half with both teams enjoying good periods of play. Peebles though were unlucky to be behind having edged it on chances.
Into the second period, Peebles continued to try and get themselves level. A series of set pieces gave them opportunities to do so, but they all came to nothing.