Wighton double as Pars go 11 points clear
MONTROSE 1 DUNFERMLINE 3 Dunfermline were in full control against Montrose as they extended their lead at the top to 11 points.
This game really burst into life in the 22nd minute when the Pars’ Lewis McCann headed in a cross from the right.
Dunfermline added to their lead on 29 minutes when a McCann shot was tipped onto the bar by Matthews, but Craig Wighton was following up to nod home the rebound.
The Fifers seemed have the game sewn up after 54 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Chris Hamilton was fouled in the box. Wighton made no mistake from the spot to put his side 3-0 up.
Montrose finally got a goal back on 65 minutes when Craig Brown fired a left-foot shot high past Deniz Mehmet.
The Gable Endies worked hard to get themselves back into the game, but were unable to add to their tally.
Speaking after the game, Dunfermline’s Robbie Mahon said: “The boys have been working hard all week. I don’t think anyone didn’t play well. That’s important coming to a place like this. It’s not easy to get three points and we did it today, so it’s very important.”
Montrose manger Stewart Petrie felt his side started the game well, but paid tribute to the visitors: “For the first 20 minutes, we were in the game and then we concede the first goal.
“Ultimately, Dunfermline are the best team in the league – that’s why they are top of the league – the reason why they have only lost one game.
“To lose a second goal makes it a real struggle.”
PETERHEAD 0 ALLOA ATHLETIC 2
Peterhead started the brighter and, with only a minute on the clock, Jason Brown should have put them in front, but he managed to screw his left-footed volley inches wide from six yards.
The same player had another big chance when he met the lively MacIver’s cross but, again, his close-range effort just shaved the bar and went over.
Alloa slowly worked their way into the game and, after Wilkie had brilliantly blocked a goalbound Donnelly effort, Stanger should have put them in front when he rose highest to meet Cawley’s corner, but his bullet header went the wrong side of the post.
The visitors started the second half as they finished the first 45 and MacIver nearly punished some slack defending from the home team, but headed over from 10 yards.
Luke Donnelly then gave Alloa the lead when he placed a header wide of McKenzie from a quality Cawley cross.
The Wasps doubled their lead when Taggart scored from the penalty spot after Jordan Brown was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Caretaker manager Ryan Strachan was happy with what he saw from his Peterhead side, commenting: “I can’t commend the boys enough, their application and effort from Tuesday to Thursday’s session was applied for 90 minutes today and we just fell short,
“I think, for the first 45 minutes, we were visibly the better team, and could have arguably been two up.”
On the way forward, Strachan said: “Jordan’s and my intentions are, you know we have the club at heart, we want to do what’s right for the club. We will continue to do as asked and prepare the team again for Tuesday’s session.”