They reached the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, when Comyn and Fraser advanced against them with 8000 men, chiefly infantry.
The English army were advancing in three divisions, in order better to obtain provisions and forage.

After a rapid night march the Scotch came upon one of them, commanded by Seagrave in person; and conceiving himself sufficiently strong to defeat the Scots unaided by any of the other divisions, Sir John Seagrave immediately gave battle.
As at Falkirk, the English cavalry were unable to break through the Scottish pikes.

Great numbers were killed or taken prisoners, Seagrave himself being severely wounded and captured, with twenty distinguished knights, thirty esquires, and many soldiers.
Scarcely was the battle over when the second English division, even stronger than the first, arrived on the field.

Encumbered by their prisoners, the Scots were at a disadvantage; and fearing to be attacked by these in the rear while engaged in front, they slaughtered the greater portion of the prisoners, and arming the camp followers, prepared to resist the English onslaught.

This failed as the first had done; the cavalry were defeated with great loss by the spearmen, and many prisoners taken--among them Sir Ralph Manton.
The third English division now appeared; and the Scots, worn out by their long march and the two severe conflicts they had endured, were about to fly from the field when their leaders exhorted them to one more effort.