Third division: Alloa grind out victory to stay on track for title

Alloa took another stride towards the title as they maintained their 11-point advantage at the top with a 1-0 success away to Peterhead.

Stevie May secured the win with a goal after 20 minutes, leaving manager Paul Hartley purring. He said: “I told the boys at half-time that if we have to grind out a win that I would accept it. I can not ask for any more.”

Second-place Stranraer had to come from behind to win 3-1 at home to Montrose. Martin Boyle gave the visitors the lead on half-time but Michael Moore flicked home an equaliser just before the hour. Craig Malcolm secured the win with a double either side of the Gable Endies’ Jonathan Smart being dismissed.

Berwick Rangers confirmed Ian Little and his assistant Robbie Horn as their permanent management team just before kick-off at home to Queen’s Park, but they were brought crashing back to earth as the visitors won 4-1. Jamie Brough hooked home the opener on 54 minutes before David Greenhill levelled for Berwick. But Martin McBride, a Jordan Forster own goal and a substitute Michael Daly earmed third-place Spiders the points.

Bottom side East Stirling held promotion-chasing Elgin City to a 2-2 draw at Ochilview. Kevin Turner gave the Shire an early lead, only for David Niven to equalise before half-time. Andy Stirling put the home side in front again, but Ryan Frances was dismissed for a foul on Paul Millar which led to Archie MacPhee netting from the spot. City’s Mark Durnan was dismissed in the closing seconds.

Clyde and Annan drew 1-1 at Broadwood, with David Winters’ goal cancelling out Jamie Pollock’s opener before the visitors had David Cox sent off.