First-45 goals give Binos the full dividend
STIRLING ALBION remain in second spot in the table after a 2-1 win at EAST FIFE, all goals coming in the first half.
Robert Thomson’s early six-yard shot opened for the Binos, with the hosts levelling through an Alan Trouten penalty on 32 minutes after Ross Mcgeachie fouled Jack Healy in the box. In first-half timeadded, Dale Carrick netted the winner from close range.
STENHOUSEMUIR led 2-0 at half-time at BONNYRIG ROSE and went on to win 4-1. Matty Yates put them on the victory trail on seven minutes when he shot home from close in, then, on 18 minutes, Euan O’reilly shot high into the rigging. Rose’s Kevin Smith brought them back into the game with a close-in shot to make it 2-1, but Yates got a third for Stenny in the 75th minute. Eight minutes from time, Rose got a fresh boost when Sean Crighton handled the ball in the penalty area and Neil Martyniuk fired home the spot-kick. But, just before the end, Stenny made sure of the points through Tam Orr’s 12-yarder.
Hosts ELGIN CITY hammered ANNAN ATHLETIC 5-1 thanks to an outstanding performance from four-goal hero Kane Hester. Hester nodded in his first on seven minutes, then turned provider for the second, clipping wide for Lawrence to curl a great effort inside the far post. Early in the second half, a superb first-time lob from Hester made it 3-0 before Annan grabbed a consolation on 79 minutes through Tam Muir. Hester sealed his hat-trick on 84 minutes from eight yards, then hit his fourth just seconds later.
STRANRAER beat visiting ALBION ROVERS 2-1, despite going behind when Rovers scored through Charlie Reilly’s 18-yarder just after Paul Woods had missed a penalty. Soon after, though, Albion levelled with a Scott Robertson shot. Then, 12 minutes from time, debutant Salim Kouider-aissa stepped off the bench to give Stranraer all three points when he got on the end of a Matty Grant cross to fire home.
Top-of-the-league DUMBARTON were held to a goalless draw by FORFAR at Station Park. The Sons lead at the top of the table is now cut to five points.