Third Division roundup: Annan’s lead down to three points as McCord seals victory for Alloa

Leaders Annan Athletic saw their title credentials enhanced after visiting in-form Queen’s Park and leaving with a goalless draw in a game where both sides will feel that they missed the better chances.

The Spiders, who had won their last four games, went close through Jamie Longworth in the first-half, with Jordan McKechnie knocking Annan’s best opening in the opening period high over.

In the second-half Annan’s Steven Sloan slid the ball past in a one-on-one situation and Michael Daly grazed a post for the home side with a header. The closing stages saw Galabank substitute Sean O’Connor foiled by goalkeeper Neil Parry with David Murray denied a last- gasp winner for Queen’s when Aaron Muirhead slid in to clear.

Spiders head coach Gardner Speirs said: “We did not play as well as we can but credit to Annan as they made it difficult. In terms of chasing Annan our momentum has not stopped, it has just slowed down a little.”

Annan manager Harry Cairney said: “A draw was about right. After a disappointing first-half, I was pleased with how we went about things in the second.”

Alloa closed the gap at the top to just three points with a 1-0 success over Stranraer, with Ryan McCord’s second-half header proving decisive. The Wasps saw out the last couple of minutes of the game with only 10 men after centre back Ben Gordon picked up a second yellow card.

Managerless Berwick showed spirit under caretaker boss Ian Little as they came back from a man and a goal down to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with visitors Elgin City. Shielfield midfielder David Greenhill saw red for an early challenge on Stuart Leslie and the Borough Briggs men made their numerical advantage count when Craig Gunn swept them into the lead.

Darren Gribben earned a point when he converted a Lee Currie pass right on half-time to deny Elgin a place in the promotion play-off pack.

Montrose moved further away from bottom spot when Jonathan Smart headed home their winner in the 2-1 success over East Stirling at Links Park with almost an hour gone. Former Shire favourite Scott Johnston had opened the scoring in just two minutes with a solo effort, but Andy Stirling scored for the third game running to restore parity.

Peterhead, the pre-season promotion favourites, now sit 18 points behind Annan after their 0-0 draw at Balmoor with Clyde. Both sides failed to convert good openings and the Bully Wee survived the last 10 minutes with just 10 men after Paul Hay was dismissed.