Third Division roundup: Red card sparks a stirring comeback

The old adage about a sending off changing a game shone through at Stranraer, where the home side drew 4-4 with visitors Montrose.

Stranraer had sailed into a four-goal lead with a goal from Sean Winter and a double from Craig Malcolm separating the sides at half-time. Martin Grehan then netted a fourth eight minutes into the second-half.

Montrose were thrown a lifeline midway through the second period when home goalkeeper David Mitchell was red-carded after he brought substitute Sean Pierce in the box. Ryan Marshall took over in goal and was beaten by Pierce, who added a quick fire second before Jamie Winter netted with twice to restore parity. Leaders Annan were held to a goalless draw at Clyde thanks, in part, to Clyde’s trialist goalkeeper, ex-Dundee United and Kilmarnock man, Alan Combe. Both sides ended up with ten men as Clyde’s Steph McDonald picked up a second yellow card for simulation while Annan’s Peter Watson earned a second caution for fouling John Neil.

Second-placed Alloa were on course to narrow the gap on Annan until a late mistake by goalkeeper Craig McDowall saw Peterhead earn a 1-1 draw at Balmoor.

Wasp substitute Armand One opened the scoring from close range with 13 minutes to go, but the points were shared when McDowall turned a Bryan Deasley cross into his own goal.

Berwick’s fine form under caretaker boss Ian Little continued as they defeated Queen’s Park 2-0 at Shielfield. Despite a missed penalty from Darren Gribben, goals from Stuart Noble and Damon Gray in the last 10 minutes kept the points on the English side of the Border.

Meanwhile Elgin City’s Craig Gunn netted after just 19 seconds before Bradley Coyne earned East Stirling a point, their first since the start of the season, when he fired home a 20-yard free-kick after 40 minutes.