Second Division: Brechin pile on misery for ailing Stranraer

BRECHIN City tightened their grip on a play-off spot by beating beleaguered Stranraer 1-0 at Glebe Park last night.

Rory McAllister scored the only goal of the night after 63 minutes, as fourth-placed City moved four points clear of fifth-placed Stirling Albion in the battle to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.

The result leaves cash-strapped Stranraer 13 points adrift at the foot of the table and, almost certain to be heading for the Third Division, if, indeed, they survive their well-publicised money problems to remain in business. The Stair Park club have been on a miserable run of form, losing their last seven Second Division games.

Elsewhere, Peterhead also boosted their play-off hopes with a 1-0 home victory over third-bottom Arbroath. Stuart Anderson netted the only goal at Balmoor after 36 minutes to keep the hosts on the same 44-point mark as Brechin, although Peterhead have played one game more than their rivals.

The defeat comes as a setback to in-form Arbroath as it means they are only four points clear of second-bottom Queen's Park in the battle to avoid having to enter an end-of-season play-off.