Penicuik Athletic Blues took a massive step towards securing a top four finish in Division 1B with a convincing 6-1 win over rivals Peebles.

The Blues went into the match only two points ahead of their opponents with a game in hand, making it a pivotal match in the battle for fourth spot.

Penicuik started the better and went 2-0 up inside half an hour through goals from Mark Deya and Lewis Mason.

Jamie Scott extended the lead in the second half before Keith Kitching hit back for Peebles.

Penicuik then ran away with it at the end with Lewis Wharton scoring a minute from time and Scott adding another two in stoppage time to complete his hat-trick.

It makes catching them a difficult task for Peebles who would have to make up the five point difference in five games, while Penicuik have an extra game to play.

There was an early call to action for Peebles keeper Oliver Gray and he answered it with a top save from Deya.

The 12th minute was a pivotal one as it started with Jordan Sykes striking the post direct from a corner for Peebles, and ended with Deya sticking it in the net after Gray had made a block from Lewis Meechan.

They could have added to their lead with several chances. Meechan’s positive running was a danger and he shot wide when he perhaps had more time than he thought.

Meechan also squared for Deya but Gray made another save.

The second goal did arrive on 28 minutes, Mason scoring at the second attempt after the ball had made its way to him at the far post.

After that Peebles began to force themselves forward more and had some meaningful possession in the final third.

Stan Swain hit a dangerously swerving free kick from 30 yards but Finlay Woodbridge tipped it away from goal.

A shot from Rhys MacDonald just cleared the goal after Keith Kitching had forced his way into the box.

Meechan continued to pose a threat at the other end and a long, jinking run ended with a drive wide of the post.

The chances continued to come thick and fast at both ends and Fraser Whyte almost dragged Peebles back into it with a header from Kitching’s cross.

Aaron Moretta was a playmaker for the visitors and his threaded pass found Meechan but Gray once again saved with his feet.

Moretta was involved in creating the third on 56 minutes, playing a one-two with Scott whose shot took a deflection to carry it away from Gray.

A reaction came again from Peebles and Kitching went close with a turn and shot after being fed by Sykes.

The same duo combined to pull it back to 3-1 with six minutes remaining when Sykes slipped it to his captain in the channel and a clever finish from Kitching sent the keeper the wrong way.

However, a tiring Peebles side conceded a further three goals in the closing stages.

With only a minute left on the clock Lewis Wharton met Mason’s corner to score from inside the six yard box.

In added time, Scott notched another two to secure a hat-trick. Moretta assisted again with a clever pass for the first, and then Scott turned in the rebound after Gray had palmed away a corner.