Third division: Alloa eightsome reels in the title in thrilling style

Former Scotland star Paul Hartley has guided Alloa to the Third Division in his first year as a manager and his side did it in style by defeating Elgin City 8-1 at Recreation Park.

Alloa’s triumph came earlier than anticipated as second placed Stranraer surprisingly went down 2-1 at Clyde.

The Wasps’ cause was helped by visiting goalkeeper Zander Clark being dismissed after only 15 minutes and the floodgates opened after half an hour when Mark Nicolson turned a cross into his own goal. Stevie May grabbed the first of his four goals just before half-time. His second came just after the break, with Robbie Winters adding a fourth before Paul Millar grabbed Elgin’s counter.

May completed his quartet, then Ryan McCord and Craig Campbell made it eight. Hartley said: “This is a very special moment for me and for players. They have worked incredibly hard from the very first training session. This is up there with the best moments of my playing career. Our guys have shown a will to win aligned to good football all season.”

Stranraer’s title fight came unstuck as they lost 2-1 at Broadwood. Michael Moore put them ahead, but Kieran Brannan and a Zakaria Belkouche own goal turned things around. Results elsewhere mean the Blues are still assured of a play-off place.

Queen’s Park beat East Stirling 5-1 and can now only be caught on goal difference in the play-off race. Tony Quinn’s double and goals by Jamie ongworth, Sean Burns and Martin McBride’s penalty saw off Shire, who grabbed a consolation through Graeme Ramage.

Annan drew 1-1 with ten-man Berwick at Galabank. Aaron Muirhead netted a first-half penalty and the hosts looked good for victory when Chris Townsley was sent off, but Jordon Forster equalised to leave Annan five points outside the play-offs.

Peterhead saw off Montrose 2-1 with Rory McAllister helping himself to a brace either side of a Jonathan Crawford goal.