Third Division roundup: Elgin dump eight-man Peterhead

ELGIN lead a group of three clubs at the top of the Third Division after they showed real resilience to beat previous leaders Peterhead, who finished with only eight men, 2-0.

The Elgin players’ thoughts were with team-mate Chris Tucker, who was in a car crash on Wednesday and remains in a serious condition. However, they went about their business in a professional manner.

Daniel Moore’s penalty fired them in front 13 minutes after half-time with Callum MacDonald being dismissed for his penalty box foul on Stuart Leslie. He netted again from the spot eight minutes later after Ross Smith had barged Dennis Wyness to the ground.

The Blue Toon, who are level with their hosts on points, lost Steven Noble to a harsh second yellow for simulation and, to complete their misery, Scott Ross was also red-carded just before the end.

Elgin manager Ross Jack said: “We wanted to win the match for Chris and to end an emotional week on a high. There was some positive news about his condition before kick-off and I am sure that helped spur the boys on.”

Opposite number Jim McInally said: “I am disappointed with the second sending-off as their player has apologised for fouling Steven.”

Queen’s Park are also in the top trio thanks to a first-half wonder strike by Ian Watt that saw off Clyde at Hampden. Watt’s shot from 30 yards swerved and dipped on its way in. Clyde thought they had equalised when Craig Wedderburn powered in a header, but Andrew Robertson cleared it off the line.

Montrose beat Berwick Rangers 3-1 with Leighton McIntosh getting a double either side of a David Gray penalty for the Gable Endies and Darren Lavery also netting for the Borderers.

East Stirlingshire’s first league win came via a 3-1 defeat of Stirling Albion, with goals by Scott Maxwell, David Greenhill and Nathan Shepherd after Mark Ferry had given Stirling the lead, despite team-mate Scott Davidson’s early red card.