Third Division: Stenhousemuir see off yet another title rival

Published on Sunday 16 November 2008 21:56

STENHOUSEMUIR are proving to be worthy leaders of the Third Division, as for the third week in a row they have remained undefeated against the teams in the positions immediately below them in the table.

John Coughlin's men defeated Montrose a fortnight ago, before drawing with Dumbarton and they have now extended their lead to five points after coming away from the tricky trip to Cowdenbeath with a 2-1 win. Gary Thom's header and a Scott Dalziel goal had the visitors two ahead before half an hour was played and the points looked secure when Jay Shields was sent off for dissent for the home side shortly into the second half.

A John Dempster goal and the sending off of the Warriors' Willie Lyle set up a grandstand finish, however the visitors held on. Coughlin proudly said afterwards: "We have been undefeated against our nearest challengers in our last three games and you have to be pleased with that. This is a massive result and a huge three points to win."

Dejected Central Park manager Danny Lennon said: "Defensively we were poor and this was a missed opportunity to draw level with the league leaders."

Next up for the Warriors is another tough test when they take on the ever-improving East Stirlingshire who won an amazing match at Ochilview 5-2 over second-placed Dumbarton. Jim McInally's men were five goals up at one stage with Brian Graham scoring twice and Andy Rodgers netting a penalty. Craig Donaldson and David Dunn also scored with Derek Carcary and Michael Moore netting late consolation goals for Jim Chapman's shell shocked side.

McInally said: "That was a superb performance and we fully deserved to win." Sons manager Jim Chapman added: "Credit to East Stirling, we were completely outplayed."

Forfar Athletic finally won at home for the first time this season when they saw off managerless Berwick Rangers 2-1 at Station Park. John Dillon missed an early penalty for the visitors before veteran Derek Lilley showed him how it is done by netting Forfar's opener from the spot. Jamie Ewart equalised within two minutes and it looked like stand-in Berwick manager Jimmy Crease would earn a draw until Shielfield old boy Kevin McLeish lobbed home the winner with just 2 minutes left.

Dick Campbell was delighted to break his hoodoo at home saying: "I hope that is the first of many home wins." Crease was looking to the future saying: "We have shown that we have a base to build on and I have to thank the players for that."

Annan Athletic ended their seven-game losing streak with a 1-0 win away at Albion Rovers. Top scorer Mike Jack earned their first win since September when he volleyed home from 25 yards early on. Annan manager Harry Cairney said: "A good result has been long overdue."

Elgin City remain bottom after going down 2-1 at home to Montrose who had Roddy Hunter to thank for a couple of goals before Ross O'Donoghue's consolation.