Ten-man Alloa edge closer to the title

Published on 02/04/2012 03:52

Alloa could be crowned champions this weekend after they overcame the early dismissal of Ryan Harding to win 2-0 at Montrose.

Paul Hartley’s rampant league leaders will be assured of the title if they beat Elgin City at Recreation Park and Stranraer fail to win at Clyde.

Harding was dismissed after only 19 minutes when he pulled back Martin Boyle and, despite their numerical handicap, Alloa kept the Links Park side out before breaking the deadlock with 10 minutes left with the game then ten-a-side. Gable Endies defender Alan Campbell fouled Stevie May and was dismissed and Ryan McCord kept his cool to score from the spot. Three minutes later he tapped in the Wasps’ second after Darren Young’s fierce shot hit both posts and bounced out.

Hartley said: “My players worked incredibly hard to keep possession when we went down to ten men. There is no title talk from us and we will continue to focus on things one game at a time.”

Montrose manager Ray Farningham said: “Alloa showed why they will win this league.”

Meanwhile Stranraer sit 11 points behind having enjoyed a good weekend as they came from behind to defeat hosts Elgin 2-1. Archie McPhee gave the Borough Briggs men the lead just before the hour mark, however substitute Michael Moore equalised and a Stephen Stirling solo goal secured the points after 74 minutes.

A Rory McAllister goal nine minutes after half time gave Peterhead a 1-0 win against third-placed Queen’s Park.

Elsewhere, Annan revived their faint play-off hopes as their 4-0 win at East Stirling coincided with Elgin’s defeat.

Graeme Bell netted in the first half and Michael McGowan, Jack Steele and David Winters all struck after the break to take the Galabank men within six points of the play-off zone.

On-loan Hibs youngster Danny Handling scored twice as Berwick won 3-0 at home to Clyde. Handling scored two in the first half and set up the third for Lee Currie two minutes from time. The defeat means Jim Duffy’s side have only one win in their last 18 games.