Pansies close gap at top

Violet closed the gap on North League leaders North End to four points after a hard-fought 2-0 win at Arbroath Vics.

Both goals came in the first half. Craig Batchelor fired the Pansies in front on 31 minutes and Gavin Thomson netted the second six minutes from the break.

In the only other game to beat the weather, East Craigie beat Lochore Welfare 4-2 at Craigie Park.

The Shipbuilders were in control most of the time and their goals were scored by Jim Malone, Jon Rosscraig, Aiden Benvie and Keir Gardiner.

Joe Kinninmonth and Lee Reid were on target for the Fifers.

There was no joy for any of the three kingdom clubs in South League action.

Crossgates’ promotion hopes suffered a blow when they were edged out by second-placed Edinburgh United at Humbug Park.

Primrose were left ruing a missed penalty just before the break. They trailed to a 21st-minute penalty taken by Jim Young, but Scott McCrindle levelled for the Fifers 12 minutes later.

The Paties Road side’s winner came from Daniel McAleavey just after the hour mark.

At Craigroyston, Rosyth paid the penalty for a poor first half performance, eventually losing 3-1.

Goals from Cammy Mitchell and a Peter Stenhouse double put the Lothian hosts three up.

But the Recs improved after the interval with Tam Hampson pulling one back.

Indeed, in a storming finish by the Fifers, only some heroics by the home keeper kept all three points at St Marks Park.

It was another miserable afternoon for bottom club Kirkcaldy YM who were beaten 10-0 at home by Armadale Thistle, who remain firmly in promotion contention.

In the North Region, Montrose Roselea’s McLeman Cup tie at Maud was another of the weekend weather casualties.

Their next match is at home to Culter on Saturday. Kick-off is 2pm.