STENHOUSEMUIR proved they have the strength in depth for a sustained promotion push as they overcame the absence of eight first-team players to win 3-0 at Montrose.
Midfielder Kevin Motion nipped trough the home defence to slot in the first after only three minutes, and Gary Thom ignored Montrose shouts for handball against team-mate Andy Shirra to force the ball in from close range just before half-time. Scott
Dalziel sealed the win before the hour mark.
Stenhousemuir manager John Coughlin said: "It has been a long time since I have enjoyed such a comprehensive win at Montrose. The players showed me great energy levels and movement and I cannot criticise a single thing. We had a massive injury list and today showed we will not be knocked off the top of the table easily."
Montrose caretaker manager David Hannah said: "If the players do not improve on that performance they will not be here for long."
Second-place Dumbarton signalled their intentions with a resounding 5-2 home win over Berwick Rangers. Paul McLeod and a penalty from Ross Clark had Jim Chapman's men two up before Chris Anderson pulled one back for the visitors in 32 minutes.
Winger Stevie Murray restored the hosts' two-goal lead 90 seconds later with a delightful lob and Clark curled home the fourth in 52 minutes. Berwick then had Gary Greenhill dismissed for a foul on Gordon Lennon, while the substituted Darren Gribben could also be in trouble after getting involved in an exchange with home fans. Substitute Liam Cusack struck a fifth for the home side before Jamie Ewart grabbed a late consolation.
Dumbarton manager Jim Chapman said: "Some of our play was outstanding."
His Berwick counterpart Allan McGonigal added: "All the big decisions went against us, their penalty was soft and the sending off was harsh."
Forfar, who have still to win at home this season, moved up to fourth when they won 1-0 away to Elgin City. Ross Campbell scored the only goal after 19 minutes to leave the hosts rooted to the foot of the table.
Albion Rovers recorded their most impressive result of the season when they defeated Cowdenbeath 3-1 at Cliftonhill. Bobby Barr put the hosts ahead with a 20-yard strike after 16 minutes, but John Armstrong levelled for the visitors just before the hour mark. Alan Benton's volley restored Albion's lead before Ross Harris sealed the win with a long-range drive.
The full article contains 418 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
