The Souters bagged three tries after the interval but gave themselves too high a mountain to climb but they were able to pick up a losing bonus point in a 26-21 loss.

The result means that Derek O’Riordan’s side sit at the foot of the National League Division One midway through the season with just one win to their name.

Musselburgh started strongly and got on the board through Sandy Watt with Paul Cunningham adding the conversion. Michael Badenhorst bagged Burgh’s second try before Murray McCowan burst through the Selkirk defence as the home side opened up a 19-point lead.

A response was desperately needed in the second half and they delivered as tries from Keir Thomson and Oliver McClymont – both converted – suddenly made it a one-score game at 19-14 in favour of the hosts.

The Borderers were unable to complete the comeback, though, as a piercing run from Conal Prior set up Tom Foley to dart under the posts for Musselburgh’s fourth try and extend the lead to 12 points.

With time running out, Selkirk’s hopes of returning home with something to show for their efforts rested on scoring a late try and Josh Welsh did exactly that with the final play of the game. McClymont’s conversion reduced the deficit to five points but there was no time remaining for the away side to find a dramatic winner.

It’s Border League action for the Souters this weekend as they host Peebles on Friday night with their next Division One fixture being on November 14 when they welcome Boroughmuir.