EARLSTON Rhymers Football Club’s match against Lauder this Saturday has been postponed as a mark of respect to Scott Johnston, who died in a car crash on New Year’s Day.
The 18-year-old was the passenger in a Mitsubishi Evo which crossed the A697 road near Westruther at 7.10pm on Sunday and smashed into a tree.
As we went to press, the 17-year-old driver, believed to be from Lauder, is still in a critical condition in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.
Scott played for his home village’s football side. Rhymers manager Lee Manderson said: “He was a cracking lad and it is a sad loss for all his pals and everyone in Earlston.
“Quite a lot of his pals play for us and they are devastated and in no mood to play the game.” Former Earlston boss Aidan Hume added: “When I signed him he was a hard worker at training and never missed a session.
“Scott was a fringe player with great potential to be a first team regular. He had a great attitude to the game and took instructions well.
“He was a joy to work with and never complained, which is very rare these days in amateur football.”
Anyone with information about the crash should phone 0131 311 3131 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.