Nine-goal blast seals Kirrie’s promotion

Kirrie Thistle’s 9-0 home win over Coupar Angus sealed their promotion to the Premier League, much to the delight of boss Jim Finlayson.

He said: “The players have worked their socks off all season and have got their just rewards and everyone is delighted that we’ll be playing in a higher league next season.”

Bryan Duell and Stewart Russell both hit hat-tricks with Kamal Kadar getting one, while the other two were own goals.

After Thornton Hibs edged out Luncarty 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter at Brownlands Park, the Fifers look certain to join Kirrie in going up.

Four points from their final four games will guarantee it.

Stuart Drummond headed the visitors in front midway through the first half, but a Jake Dolzanski header negated that three minutes after the restart.

However, Ewan Henderson hit Hibs’ winner shortly before the end.

The race for third place is between three clubs who all won.

Current occupants East Craigie ran out 6-2 winners at Lochore Welfare

The Shipbuilders struck a bizarre first minute opener when keeper Liam Dunn’s long clearance took one bounce over the home keeper and into the net.

Doubles from Nik Mann and Lee Maloney plus a James Malone counter completed a straightforward win for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Kinnoull were made to work hard for their 2-1 home win over Arbroath Vics.

The Perth side went in front through Mark Smith after 35 minutes.

Not long after the restart, Kellon Lyons deservedly levelled for the visitors, but with just 11 minutes left, Rhys Davies nicked Kinnoull’s winner.

The other contenders, Scone Thistle, had to come from behind before posting a 4-1 win at bottom-of-the-table Forfar Albion.

Steve Archibald gave Albion the lead but that was quickly cancelled out by an own goal.

Right on half time Arron Mackay put Thistle in front and second-half goals from Fraser Mills and Abi Njie wrapped up a comfortable win.

Blairgowrie were 2-0 winners at Brechin Vics with Gary Axworthy playing a key role.

He provided the ammunition for both goals, scored by James Simpson after 28 minutes and Darren Neave five minutes later.

Newburgh ended a run of six straight defeats after sharing four goals with Harp at East Shore Park, but only after a late rally.

Ryan McKillen and Sam McDonald scored to give Harp a two-goal lead, but, due to injuries and a depleted squad, the Beechwood boys had to play the last halfhour with 10 men.

The Fifers fought back, scoring twice in the last eight minutes through Greg Fairweather and Gavin Thomson to salvage a point.

Despite being under-strength, Lochgelly Albert were pleased to return from third-placed Pumpherston with a point in the South League.

Lewis Elder converted a penalty six minutes from the end to secure a point.

Meanwhile, Dunbar United’s 5-0 win at Livingston United handed the Seasiders the title after leapfrogging the other promoted side, Blackburn United.