Steele gets Annan off the mark as Forfar stumble

Published on Sunday 13 September 2009 23:12

Third Division

ANNAN built on last weekend's successful progression to the ALBA Challenge Cup semi-finals by winning their first league match of the season and they did it in style, seeing off the leaders and previously unbeaten Forfar Athletic 1-0 at Galabank.

Summer signing Jack Steele took advantage of a mix-up between visiting goalkeeper Ally Brown and his defenders to shoot into an empty net with 17 minutes left to get the vital first victory that had Harry Cairney beaming. The Galabank manager said: "That was an important victory as we have a young side that were beginning to get nervous about when the first win would be achieved."

Berwick Rangers' home match with Stranraer was a victim of the traffic jam on the M8 with the postponement denying both sides the chance to move above Forfar.

Livingston were made to struggle in their 3-2 triumph over Elgin, and it goes without saying that there was controversy. Italian striker Raffaelle De Vita opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half with a spectacular overhead kick and Liam Fox ended a fine move to make it two with an hour gone.

Jason Crooks and Kyle MacAulay levelled for Elgin before Livingston were awarded an injury-time penalty when David Niven was judged to have handled a Robbie Winters effort. Fox netted from 12 yards with the visitors' Allan Dempsie dismissed before the final whistle.

Bottom club Montrose and third-placed Albion Rovers' contest ended goalless at Links Park.

East Stirlingshire moved into fifth place when they beat Queen's Park 1-0 at Ochilview thanks to a first goal in Shire colours for Simon Lynch, with goalkeeper Jamie Barclay another hero for the home side after saving a penalty.