Dokens boss pays tribute to players after promotion is confirmed

NORTH END became the first club to be promoted after edging out Newburgh at East Shore Park.

Barring a miracle, they will go up as champions.

Dokens boss Dave Martin was overjoyed and paid tribute to his team.

“It’s been a great team effort from everyone associated with the club and a relief to be going up after coming so close in the last few seasons.”

The Dokens edged in front four minutes from the break when Scott McComiskie converted a penalty.

Reece Ritchie got a second but Dylan Honeyman pulled one back to make it a nervous final 15 minutes for the Dokens, but they hung on to seal their place in next season’s Premier League.

Kennoway Star beat Blairgowrie 2-1 to consolidate second spot.

Although the Fifers’ winner came with virtually the last kick of the game, it was no surprise as they had Blair under the cosh in the latter stages.

Striker Andy Murison gave the Berrypickers the lead but that was cancelled when Kevin Byers scored from the spot. Right at the death, Chris Lornie volleyed home the winner from 12 yards to the delight of the travelling support.

Forfar West End remain in promotion contention after scoring seven without reply at CuparAngus.

Matthew Reynolds claimed a hat-trick and Graeme Hart, John Cairney, Mattyhew Ramsay and their teenage trialist got the other goals.

East Craigie edged out ArbroathVics 2-1 at Ogilvy Park. The Shipbuilders were two up at the break thanks to goals from Paul Constable and Liam Ross while Craig Watson pulled one back for Vics.

Brechin may have only beaten Scone Thistle courtesy of substitute Andrew Ferguson’s only goal of the game after 77 minutes, but the hosts were worthy winners.

Honours were even at Beechwood where Harp shared four goals with Thornton Hibs.

After a goal- less first-half, John Halley gave Thornton Hibs a 47th minute lead with a terrific 20-yard strike. Harp fought back and goals from Jonathon McBride (57) and Dominic Blair (61) had the hosts in front.

Hibs’ equaliser came cour tesy of a Kris Maxwell penalty.

Ryan Cowie scored the only goal of the game after 35 minutes to give Lochore Welfare victory away to ForfarAlbion.

Crossgates came very close to doing Dundonald a favour by pushing Bluebell’s promotion rivals Blackburn United all the way before going down 4-3 at New Murrayfield Park.

Twice they led through Steven Stark and Russell Smart, only to be pegged back after 62 minutes.

They then went two behind, but a Donald Hyslop strike five minutes from time put them in with a shout of getting the point their efforts deserved but it was not to be.

Rosyth lost 3- 2 to Harthill, who they picked up their first win of the season.

Dean Ogg scored after just 10 seconds for Rosyth but the Recs then conceded two bad goals.

They looked to have earned a point with Ogg’s second of the match 10 minutes from time, only for the Fifers to gift-wrap the bottom club a winner.