Dalkeith Thistle striker Cammy Leslie bags hat-trick to stun Linlithgow Rose and own boss in Roy of the Rovers comeback

Twenty-one-year-old striker Cammy Leslie was the Dalkeith hero as he netted a hat-trick against a strong Rose side who hadn’t been beaten at home since August.

It looked like Rose were on the way to a comfortable victory in the first match of the rejigged competition which has been split into 12 groups. Goals from Jamie Allan, Conor McKenzie and Mark Stowe had Rose in command at the interval, with Leslie’s effort having initially brought the visitors level.

However, in an incredible second half turnaround, Leslie made it 3-2 with half an hour remaining, only for Michael Lennie’s header to bring them level two minutes later. Leslie then popped up with the winner with seven minutes to go.

“We were just looking to come away with a bit of respect that you’ve tired your best,” said Landells. “Some of the young lads it was their first time playing at Linlithgow so I just told them to go and enjoy the experience.

“Going through there is daunting for most clubs not just Dalkeith Thistle, I think we are about 30 places behind them in the league standings.

“We knew what we were going through to. They are a fantastic side and even when I first played football it’s always been a great place to go and play football. I’d won a few times as a player but never as a coach or as a manager.

“The players played without any fear, they just went there to go and enjoy the game. I don’t think the committee were looking forward to going through there!

“Our away form has been terrible this year to go and win 4-3 at Linlithgow is even more incredible, because we have shedded some goals. Football is a funny old game.

“Somebody text me about half 1 on Saturday to tell me we were 18/1. I’m not a gambling man but I thought we would be about 100/1. I