Third Division: Stranraer come out of cold storage to consolidate their lead

STRANRAER won in the league for the first time in more than two months when they defeated Queen's Park 2-1 on Saturday to remain as the league leaders. Ironically, it was the Hampden side that Stranraer last won against back on 6 November, but a lack of games because of the winter freeze has seen the Blues untroubled so far at the summit.

Scott Agnew fired Keith Knox's side ahead from 25 yards in the first-half, but Stranraer were pegged back when Paul Gallacher equalised from close range at the start of the second period. Gallacher then gave away a penalty when he tripped Agnew, but the normally reliable midfielder saw his effort saved by Adam Strain.

Stranraer were not to be denied, although the winner had a hint of good fortune about it as the visiting Tony Quinn headed an Agnew free-kick into his own net with just nine minutes left.

Knox put the points before the performance, saying: "We got there in the end but we did not perform to anything like we can. We could look for excuses about the lay-off but I will take the points and move on."

Whilst Stranraer's lead has not been challenged it looks like Arbroath will be mounting a serious title bid after they moved into second spot, just two points behind, following a 4-0 win at Berwick Rangers. The goals all came in the final 22 minutes with Gavin Swankie on target twice with Ross Chisholm and Keith Gibson also scoring. Gayfield boss Paul Sheerin said: "We are right back in the chase. The players have all worked hard over recent months and we are beginning to see the rewards of that on the pitch."

It was a first home defeat of the season for Berwick and manager Jimmy Crease said: "There was no way back after the first goal went in and the legs got really tired after that."

Albion Rovers have dropped to third after their first home game since October ended in disappointment as Montrose won 2-0 thanks to Nicky Smith's first-half goal and Dougie Cameron's in the second, which came directly from a corner kick.

Veteran midfielder Neil MacFarlane scored in injury time on his debut to grab ten-man Annan a 2-2 draw against a visiting Elgin side that led twice through Jason Crooks' goals that both directly came from corners.

Crooks opened the scoring in three minutes before Bryan Gilfillan levelled for the home side with a fine strike just three minutes later. Crooks then repeated his trick on 11 minutes only to see Annan cancel that out again.

East Stirling beat bottom side Clyde 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Alex Walker, who was later red-carded, and Stephen Maguire. The Shire have moved eight points clear of the Bully Wee, with assistant head coach David Nicholls saying: "It was great to win and the most pleasing part was the way the players dug in after Alex was sent off."