Third Division: Darren Gribben grabs second hat-trick of season to keep Berwick top

Berwick manager Jimmy Crease's decision to bring striker Darren Gribben to Shiel-field for a second spell is proving a masterstroke as the frontman grabbed his second hat-trick of the season in the Borderers' 4-1 success over Arbroath.

The 24-year-old was a Ranger two seasons ago, switched to Dumbarton but after just six weeks slipped into the Junior ranks with Bo'ness, before being brought back for pre-season training by Crease.

Crease said: "Darren showed again today the quality he has when it comes to finishing. The team are working hard for each other and it is great that they have someone like Darren who can finish off their good work."

Team-mate Craig O'Reilly opened the scoring in 21 minutes before Gribben scored two goals in the next seven minutes. A further match ball was going home with Gribben when he netted on 52 minutes to make it an impressive 18 goals for Crease's side in the league so far this season. Kieran McAnespie grabbed a late consolation for Arbroath.

Deflated Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin said: "We are folding as a team when we concede a goal and that has to stop."

Stranraer are chasing Berwick hard following an injury- time goal from Craig Malcolm that defeated Queen's Park 1-0. Keith Knox's side are undefeated so far and a win over the Borderers next weekend would take them above Berwick and to the top of the table. Malcolm made it five goals in five games when he headed in.

Albion Rovers defeated Montrose 3-1 at Cliftonhill to move into third place.

Elginwon for the first time this season as Mark Nicholson, scored an early goal at Annan, while East Stirling and Clyde played out a goalless draw.