Third Division roundup: Alloa go 11 points clear despite early setback

BOTTOM side East Stirling took the lead at leaders Alloa after 30 seconds and probably now wish they had not angered Paul Hartley’s side quite so early as they hit back to win 5-1 and open up an 11-point lead.

Alex Lurinsky prodded the Shire in front, but Robbie Winters and Stevie May turned things around before half-time. Ryan Harding added a third before substitutes Ross McCord and Craig Campbell completed the scoring.

Hartley said: “We are in a good place and have a good cushion between ourselves and other teams but no-one here will be getting carried away. We scored some great goals, but this game is finished now and we move on to Peterhead next Saturday.”

Shire boss John Coughlin said: “We made a good start and unfortunately failed to build on it. Alloa then showed why they will win this league.”

Stranraer moved into second spot by defeating Annan 3-1. The hosts took an early lead through Steve Swinglehurst’s header. However, Chris Aitken levelled on 13 minutes from the penalty spot after Michael McGowan was judged to have fouled Martin Grehan. Frank McKeown headed home to give Blues the lead and Craig Malcolm sealed the win three minutes from time.

Elgin City’s fine run of nine games without defeat came to an end as Peterhead hit back from the loss of Mark Nicolson’s headed goal in the second minute to win 2-1. Martin Bavidge equalised just before half-time and Jamie Redman headed the winner eight minutes into the second half.

Montrose and Berwick drew 1-1 with Martin Boyle scoring for the Links Park side just after half-time and substitute Damon Gray equalising 10 minutes from time.