Third Division: Ruthless Alloa close in on title with Spiders rout

ALLOA took another giant stride towards the title as they thrashed Queen’s Park 4-0 to open up an 11-point gap at the top with just six games left.

The on-form Spiders headed to Recreation Park intent on cutting the leaders’ advantage to six points. But Robbie Winters put the hosts in command with goals either side of the interval, before Stevie May and Graeme Holmes sealed the win after the visitors had Jamie Brough sent off.

Alloa manager Paul Hartley said: “Some of our football was excellent and we could have scored more. We are in a great position but we have taken things one game at a time throughout the season and we will not change our approach now.”

Stranraer replaced Queen’s Park in second after a 4-1 win at home to bottom side East Stirling. Craig Malcolm and Michael Moore had the Blues two ahead in 17 minutes before a Rhys Devlin own goal increased the hosts’ lead. Stephen Stirling added another straight from a free kick before Shire’s Kevin Turner scored a last-minute consolation.

Elgin moved nine points clear of fifth-placed Annan and even closer to a first-ever play-off place with a 2-0 success at Clyde. Jason Crooks opened the scoring 12 minutes into the second half and Brian Cameron sealed the win 12 minutes from time.

Early season leaders Annan are in freefall and their play-off bid was all but ended as lowly Montrose ran out 2-1 winners at Galabank. Garry Wood opened the scoring with an early overhead kick but Annan levelled through an Aaron Muirhead penalty. A Jamie Winter spot-kick just before the break proved decisive for the Gable Endies.

Danny Handling had a memorable debut for Berwick in their 2-1 win at Peterhead. The on-loan Hibs youngster struck in the first half, only for Rory McAllister to equalise with a penalty. But Handling scored what proved to be the winner despite Jordon Foster’s 58th minute red card for the Borderers.