Clyde close gap on leaders with narrow win at Annan

Barry Ferguson: High Tempo. Picture: SNS

The Bully Wee bounced back from last Saturday’s defeat by Arbroath in fine style and they now sit just a point off top spot with a game in hand.

Scott Linton smashed Barry Ferguson’s side into the lead from 12 yards on 12 minutes and it was 2-0 just six minutes later.

It was a another fine effort with Scott McLaughlin curling in from 25 yards, however Peter Weatherson netted from a free-kick midway through the half to reduce the deficit.

Weatherson’s next major contribution was not as positive as he was dismissed on 34 minutes for what was judged to be use of his elbow in a challenge with Michael Bolochoweckyj.

In the second half, Clyde made their extra man count when David Marsh headed in a Scott Ferguson corner, but Smart Osadolor ensured a rousing finish at the start of injury time when he pulled a goal back.

Clyde saw things out without any further damage and boss Ferguson said: “The way we started was key to our success. We opened up at a really high tempo and created a lot of good opportunities.”

Annan boss Jim Chapman was disappointed with the result and Weatherson’s red card as he explained: “I felt that a few things went against us and the effort that the players put in was not rewarded.”

Queen’s Park’s hopes of going top were hit by a late smash and grab act at Hampden by visitors Berwick Rangers, who enjoyed a 1-0 success.

The Spiders had the better chances but they were made to pay for failing to convert them when Darren Lavery was released by Dylan Stevenson in injury time and slotted in the game’s only goal.

Elgin moved into third place after a 2-0 success over Montrose at Borough Briggs, with Craig Gunn opening the scoring on 60 minutes from a Darryl McHardy knockdown and Thomas Reilly completing a lighting breakaway for the second ten minutes later.

East Fife came from behind to win 3-1 at Stirling Albion with in-demand striker Nathan Austin grabbing a hat-trick.

The Forthbank side took the lead after only nine minutes when Darren Smith bundled the ball in, however Austin, who had been booked in the first minute when referee Craig Napier felt he had taken a dive in the Stirling penalty box, took over.

A Kyle Wilkie pass was driven in for the leveller on 21 minutes, and right on half-time Austin controlled Pat Slattery’s through ball before finding the net with a header from a Craig Murray cross ten minutes from time.

The Gayfield clash between Arbroath and visitors East Stirling was called off.