Third Division: Cowdenbeath extend lead after Shire miss their cue at the top

Published on Sunday 15 March 2009 21:06

IN A remarkable day, the top four all lost, although leaders Cowdenbeath increased their goal advantage by two over second-placed East Stirling despite losing 3-1 at Annan Athletic.

Steven Sloan fired the Galabank men ahead early with Danny McKay equalising before half time. Late goals from substitutes Jamie Dunbar and Phil Storey won the match with Cowdenbeath manager Danny Lennon lamenting his side's attacking intent. "We are really fortunate that other results have gone our way. Some of our players need to learn when it is better just to settle for a point rather than going for a win."

Annan sit on the fringes of a play-off place in their maiden SFL season, however, manager Harry Cairney played down all talk of a promotion push, saying: "We are not thinking about the play-offs, we are just taking things one game at a time."

East Stirlingshire lost 4-0 to Berwick Rangers at Ochilview with Darren Gribben grabbing a hat-trick and Fraser McLaren adding the fourth.

Gribben had netted his first before Shire defender Eddie Forrest was sent off just after an hour had been played with manager Jim McInally slamming the decision. "Berwick deserved to win but the decision to send Eddie Forrest off was a shocker and it was no surprise that Berwick scored their second shortly afterwards."

Third-placed Dumbarton lost 1-0 at Montrose, who had their assistant manager Jamie McKenzie to thank for the win. McKenzie, playing as a trialist, scored the only goal when he volleyed home from 22 yards out in the second half. Montrose manager Steven Tweed said: "We were desperate to get some experience in our side and full marks to Jamie as it was a great strike."

Dumbarton had been on a run of three straight victories and manager Jim Chapman was frustrated saying: "We just never got going and never made the basics happen."

Long time leaders Stenhousemuir lost at Elgin City for the second time this season and for the fourth time in five games when Steven MacKay and Craig Campbell netted in the second half. Elgin manager Ross Jack has already doubled the bottom club's points total in his short spell in charge and he was pleased saying: "The players did what they were asked and dominated."

But Stenhousemuir's John Coughlin is another manager becoming frustrated and he said: "I thought I would get a reaction after being defeated by East Stirling last week, but again I am left feeling low."

Forfar Athletic continued their climb up the table when they secured their fourth win out of five games when they defeated Albion Rovers 4-0 at a windy Station Park with Kevin Gordon, Darren Brady, Martyn Fotheringham and Alastair Divine all scoring. Loons manager Dick Campbell said: "This was a great result and we are moving in the right direction."