Third Division: Penalty call makes all the difference for McInally

Published on Sunday 23 November 2008 22:04

REFEREE Thomas Robertson stole the limelight as Stenhousemuir and their in-form tenants at Ochilview, East Stirling, battled to a 1-1 draw.

Jim McInally's side were leading through Brian Graham's first-half goal when Dean Richardson appeared to be caught by home full-back Craig McEwan in the box early in the second half, only for referee Robertson to wave away claims for a spot kick.

"It was a stonewall penalty as we could hear the crack of the boot and if we had gone two ahead I do not think we would have been caught," said McInally after Stenhousemuir's Alan Dalziel had secured a point.

The Warriors' lead at the top of the table was cut to four points by Montrose, who saw off near neighbours Forfar 1-0 thanks to Hugh Davidson's early strike. Sixteen-year-old Fraser Stark made his debut in goal for the Links Park side after Mark Peat was injured during the warm-up, and he earned special praise from stand-in manager David Hannah, who said: "The lad is only 16 and he was absolutely magnificent. He helped keep our winning run going and I am delighted with that."

Cowdenbeath also took advantage of Stenhousemuir drawing by grabbing all three points with a 3-2 win at Berwick. Darren Gribben twice put Berwick ahead but the visitors hit back through John Armstrong, John Dempster and Paul McQuade.

Annan achieved their most comprehensive SFL victory, seeing off bottom side Elgin City 5-0, while Dumbarton were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Albion Rovers.