Third Division: Albion thump Arbroath to blow race wide open

Published on Sunday 3 April 2011 16:16

Albion Rovers' 3-0 win over Third Division leaders Arbroath on Saturday was probably welcomed just as much in the south-west towns of Annan and Stranraer, as it was in Lanarkshire's Coatbridge, as it cut Paul Sheerin's side's lead to just two points.

The third-placed Cliftonhill side raced into a three goal half-time lead with Scott Chaplain firing in the first from the penalty spot after Robert Love had been brought down by the Red Lichties stand-in goalkeeper Darryl Burns. Defender Alan Benton headed in a Chris Boyle corner six minutes from half time and Paul Martin's side were in dreamland before the break as Love shot home after Burns and Craig Wedderburn had shown indecision. There was to be no great comeback from Arbroath in the second half with only an effort from player/manager Sheerin troubling Derek Gaston in the home goal.

Annan Athletic continued in the pursuit of their first ever play-off place just three seasons after becoming an SFL side by defeating Clyde 1-0 at Galabank just four days after the Bully Wee had won 2-0 on the Black & Gold's turf. It was a one-time Clyde favourite that did the damage with Ian Harty turning home a mishit Jack Steele shot just after the half-hour. That proved to be enough to leave Annan in second just two points behind Arbroath but having played one game more.

Stranraer defeated Berwick Rangers 3-1 for their first win in seven games to move four points clear in fourth place with Stuart McColm being the hero as he scored twice.

McColm nipped in ahead of visiting goalkeeper Ian McAldon to open the scoring six minutes from half time and defender Declan Gallacher finished off a Scott Agnew free kick, via the woodwork, to make it two six minutes into the second half.

Berwick pulled a goal back shortly afterwards when Paul Currie shot home but McColm sealed the win midway through the second half.

East Stirlingshire striker Kevin Cawley put a dent into Queen's Park promotion hopes with a double in his side's 3-2 win at Ochilview. Giuseppe Capuano and Scott Johnston had traded goals in the opening half hour before former Celtic youngster Cawley swept home a John Neil cross four minutes from half time.

Montrose won for the first time under interim manager Ray Farningham when they defeated Elgin City 1-0 courtesy of a Jonathan Crawford header.