Festive cheer for Montrose as they consolidate lead

Montrose will be top of the table come Christmas regardless of what happens this weekend and a 3-0 win over Elgin City at Links Park was a warning that they intend to stay there a good while longer.

Terry Masson fired the Gable Endies ahead after a surge forward by Matty Allan on six minutes but the visitors had a terrific opportunity to level two minutes after the restart.

Sean Dillon fouled Chris Mcleish but Brian Cameron’s shot from the penalty brought out a fine save from Allan Fleming. Andrew Steeves took advantage to drill home the second on 54 minutes, with Jamie Redman firing in the third 19 minutes later.

Montrose manager Stewart Petrie said: “We started well and scored a super goal. Elgin are a dangerous side but the game turned in our favour after the penalty. We were in control but the final score is a bit harsh on our opponents.”

“It is important when you are playing and other teams have a day off that you win. We did.”

Elgin manager Gavin Price said: “We had the chance to get back into things and never took it.”

Stirling Albion lost more ground after Brandon Luke struck late at Galabank to earn Annan a 1-1 draw.

Luke Caddis converted a Darren Smith pass from close range to give the Forthbank men the lead after nine minutes.

Annan were unlucky not to equalise before half-time when Blair Henderson headed against the bar but, with just three minutes left, Rabin Omar teed up Luke and he fired home from 18 yards. Stenhousemuir moved back into the top four thanks to a 2-1 success at Edinburgh City. Harry Paton danced past two players before firing the Warriors in front on 25 minutes, before Marc Laird drilled in a leveller ten minutes later.

Mark Mcguigan edged the visitors in front before the break with City’s Farid El Alagui sending a penalty over the bar in the second half.

Thegamesbetweenberwick Rangers and Peterhead and Cowdenbeath and Clyde were postponed.