Berwick's club record winning streak marred by sending-off

Published on Monday 29 January 2007 01:44

ON THE weekend of the club's 40th anniversary of their famous Scottish Cup win over Rangers, Third Division leaders Berwick Rangers created a new club record with eight wins in succession as they opened up a five-point lead in the title race.

But their joy was marred as striker Kevin Haynes was sent off in a 2-0 home win over East Stirlingshire. Manager John Coughlin said: "Sadly people will want to talk about that incident rather than the fact we are on our best-ever run and kept another clean sheet."

Haynes was red-carded for throwing a punch at an opponent and automatically misses the visit to Elgin this week. He will be sidelined for further matches after going through the points barrier.

David Greenhill opened the scoring in the eighth minute and new signing Iain Diack added the second before the half-hour mark. Shire had Stephen Oates sent off for two yellow cards.

East Fife were held to a 3-3 draw after a fightback by Montrose. The Fifers seemed certain to earn the three points as Ryan Blackadder, Jamie McGowan and Steve Nicholas gave them a three-goal lead. But Montrose, who will start interviews this week to appoint a manager, fought back. Stephen Black, with two goals, and Scott Michie rescued a point. To add to East Fife's woes, McGowan was stretchered off with medial ligament damage.

Queen's Park forced their way back into the play-off picture with a 2-1 win at Stenhousemuir, despite missing a first-half penalty. Alan Trouten scored from a second spot kick and Mark Ferry made it two four minutes later. The home team pulled one back through John Paul McBride. Queen's manager Billy Stark said: "I've never been involved with a side who miss so many chances, but we looked threatening."

Dumbarton's Chris Boyle earned his side a 1-0 win at Elgin City with a superb solo goal, while Arbroath and Albion Rovers fought out a 0-0 draw which kept intact Rovers' unbeaten run.