Flying start puts Montrose on brink of winning league

Montrose struck early at Stenhousemuir to secure a 2-0 win and move to within a point of being champions. Chris Templeman, pictured, lifted the ball over Warriors goalkeeper Chris Smith after just two minutes and Lewis Milne doubled the Gable Endies’ lead six minutes later.

The hosts, who needed a win to clinch a play-off place, tried to hit back and Andrew Dallas came close twice but Montrose stood firm to give themselves the chance of winning the title at home to Elgin on Saturday.

Manager Stewart Petrie said: “This was a big hurdle to overcome as Stenhousemuir were looking for the win. I can only praise my players for the way they have gone about giving ourselves a chance next weekend.”

The Links Park men would already be champions if Peterhead had not struck late to secure a 1-0 win at Elgin City. Jason Brown headed in a Willie Gibson free-kick 17 minutes from time to keep the Blue Toon three points behind with a game against Edinburgh City to come.

Blair Henderson hit a hattrick as Annan defeated visiting Stirling Albion, a fourth successive loss which means Dave Mackay’s team are still not over the play-off line. Neil Mclaughlin gave Stirling an early lead but Henderson restored parity in the first half and scored twice in the second. Clyde are keeping their fingers crossed that Stenhousemuir do not win at Berwick tomorrow night as that will take their promotion hopes into the final weekend after their 3-1 win at Edinburgh City.

David Goodwillie scored a spot-kick in the first half and added a second immediately after the restart, with Dylan Cogill also scoring before Craig Beattie pulled one back with a penalty.

Berwick Rangers secured their first win in nearly three months when they defeated Cowdenbeath 1-0 at Shielfield, Jamie Todd hitting the winner.