The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Kirrie remain in driving seat despite draw with Thornton
After the goalless draw at second-placed Thornton Hibs, leaders Kirrie Thistle are in the driving seat for the North League title.
Thistle remain two points clear of the Fifers but both are expecting to be promoted. Bryan Duell’s free-kick, which skidded off the top of the Hibs crossbar, was the closest either side came to breaking the first-half deadlock.
The Fifers were reduced to 10 men when Nicky McGowan was sent-off for a second yellow card offence 10 minutes from time. Only the heroics of Hibs keeper Ryan Linton in the closing stages prevented Thistle claiming all three points.
Kinnoull ended East Craigie’s long undefeated run and extended their own unbeaten run to 12 games thanks to the only goal of the game at Craigie Park.
Robbie Norrie got the Perth men’s winner 20 minutes from time.
The Shipbuilders remain third on goal difference from Kinnoull, with both sides’ chances of promotion looking remote.
Luncarty racked up 13 without reply at bottom side Forfar Albion, who finished the game with eight men.
Two goals and two men down at the break, the luckless hosts lost a further man midway through the second half.
Richard Doig and Jamie Reid both bagged hat-tricks with Bally Whytock getting a brace, while Darren Gray, Lewis Allan, Jon Kelly, Dan Walker and an own goal completed the list of scorers.
Although short-handed, Harp were 3-1 winners over Lochore Welfare at Beechwood Park.
With so many absentees, boss Michael Gormley was forced into fielding several trialists, two of whom came up trumps with one scoring twice and another also on target.
In the battle of the Vics, Brechin were 3-1 winners at Arbroath. The visitors went in three up at the interval thanks to Douglas Crow’s double and a Colin Lawson strike.
Kellon Lyons scored the hosts’ consolation four minutes from time.
A spirited second-half fightback by Newburgh wasn’t quite enough to secure a point in a seven-goal thriller away to Blairgowrie, who ran out 4-3 winners.
Gary Axworthy, an own goal, Stefan Brown and Gordon Pirie counted for the home side, with Liam Keiller and Greg Fairweather (2) scoring for the Burgh.
North End returned to winning ways with Ross Lunan’s side cruising to a 3-0 home win over Coupar Angus. Pat Martin put the Dokens ahead in the first half and Dayle Robertson and James Russell were on target after the break.