Third Division: Stranraer stay top of table as red mist descends on Queen's Park

Published on Sunday 7 November 2010 15:33

Stranraer came from behind to continue their leadership of the Third Division by seeing off Queen's Park 3-1 at Hampden.

The Spiders went in front after 18 minutes when Paul Harkins flicked the ball past David Mitchell via the far post from six yards out. Armand One levelled on 74 minutes with a deflected shot from 20 yards before substitute Michael Moore and on-loan Celtic defender Declan Gallagher netted to turn things around.

The home side were reduced to nine men as Jamie Brough was dismissed for using an elbow on Craig Malcolm and Martin McBride was red-carded for telling referee Thomas Robertson, in inappropriate language, that he did not agree with the decision.

Stranraer manager Keith Knox said: "We started well but I had to have a go at the players during half-time as Queen's Park were well on top. Once we got level you could see the confidence running through the team."

Albion Rovers won for the second week running by seeing off hosts Montrose 2-0 at Links Park. John Gemmell fired the Coatbridge men ahead with Robert Love hitting the second before half-time.

Cliftonhill boss Paul Martin said: "That was a good win against a good side and I am delighted with another three points."

The home side's player/ manager, Steven Tweed, said: "We gave the ball away too easily for their goals and that was a disappointing way for our unbeaten run to end."

Berwick tasted defeat in the league for the first time this season as they went down 3-2 at Arbroath, where Gavin Swankie scored a late winner after both sides had spells leading the game.

Alan Brazil touched home from close range to give the Borderers the lead in 19 minutes with home defender Mark Durnan equalising shortly afterwards. The Red Lichties went in front shortly afterwards when Steven Doris helped a Swankie free-kick in with Berwick restoring parity through Andy McLean's second-half header.

Gayfield boss Paul Sheerin said: "We converted our chances which was great but also we remained calm when Berwick went ahead and that was really important."

Visiting boss Jimmy Crease said: "Arbroath probably deserved the win but we need to get back to the form we showed earlier in the season. If we do that we will start moving back up the way."

Improving Elgin saw off visitors Annan thanks to early goals from Brian Cameron and Jason Crooks in a 2-0 win to leave manager Ross Jack delighted. The Borough Briggs boss said, "We played some great football and the opening 20 minutes was as good as I have seen from Elgin in a long time."

Annan's manager, Harry Cairney, said: "Elgin deserved the win and there were no positives for us in that game."

Clyde stay rooted to bottom spot after losing 2-1 at home to an East Stirling side they could have jumped over in the table if they had won.

Kevin Cawley clinched the win after David Dunn had put the visitors ahead and Stuart Mills had levelled, with all the goals coming in the opening 36 minutes.