East Craigie return to top in fine style

With Blairgowrie’s game at Brechin Vics postponed, East Craigie went back to the top of the Premier League North after thrashing Forfar Albion 7-1 at Craigie Park.

Adam Brown scored the first goal on 18 minutes but the visitors were level a couple of minutes later through an Andy Patullo penalty.

However, East Craigie increased the tempo. They went back in front through George Johnston and went in at halftime 4-1 in front thanks to a Rory Faulkner double.

The second half was more of the same and Finlay Baird made it five on the hour before Faulkner completed his hattrick on 68 minutes. Johnston then added his second and the Shipbuilders’ seventh with five minutes left.

Arbroath Vics continued their run of form and went nine points clear of nearest rivals Brechin Vics with a comfortable 5-1 win over Coupar Angus at Ogilvy Park.

Matty Reynolds scored Vics’ first after 12 minutes but it wasn’t until first-half stoppage time that Ryan Stirton doubled the advantage.

The visitors pulled a goal back straight after the restart with substitute Rannoch Ramsay’s first touch, only for Marc Walker to restore the two-goal cushion on 51 minutes. Andi Manolache struck the bar with a penalty on 65 minutes but, as Coupar tired, Craig Tosh scored a fourth on 81 minutes and Josh Chalmers a fifth on 87 minutes.

Violet took the bragging rights for the second time this season from the derby with Lochee Harp but it was a scrappy encounter at Glenesk Park.

The only goal of the game came with just three minutes remaining through Jordan Garden.