Deuchar equals Greaves as Gretna secure title

Published on Monday 21 March 2005 00:11

GRETNA striker Kenny Deuchar earned a place in the record books with his sixth hat-trick of the season in the 6-1 win over Peterhead, equalling the haul of Jimmy Greaves for a single campaign.

Both clubs have already gained promotion to the Second Division, but Gretna will now be title holders. Deuchar gave Gretna the opener - the club’s 100th goal this season - in four minutes, but in an explosive second period Ryan McGuffie and David Bingham made it three before Martin Bavidge pulled one back for Peterhead from the penalty spot. That only stung Gretna into more effort and McGuffie added a fourth before Deuchar rapped in two more in the final minutes.

Montrose climbed into third place as Martin Wood and a Craig Smart penalty earned them a 2-0 win over Queen’s Park. Manager Henry Hall said: "We stuck to our game plan in an even match and it paid off."

Cowdenbeath boss Dave Baikie will add experience to his squad over the summer after they lost third place in the league following a 2-0 defeat by Elgin City. Craig Higgins and Willie Martin got the goals.

East Stirlingshire enjoyed their third win on the trot as Derek Ure’s goal earned them a 1-0 win over East Fife.

Stenhousemuir drew 1-1 with Albion Rovers. Trailing by a Lee Wilson goal, the home side struck in injury time with a John Paul McBride goal from their only shot of the game.