Bad break casts a pall over Stranraer success

STRANRAER have received a blow as they prepare to open their first division campaign following their promotion. Midfielder Gary McPhee is out with a broken leg he received in their 3-1 Bell's Cup win over Arbroath on Saturday.

McPhee was rushed to a Dundee hospital after being stretchered off following a clash with Allan Brazil.

Manager Neil Watt said yesterday: "The lad is still in Ninewells hospital today and we expect him to get out tomorrow. It is a blow for us but particularly for him."

A double from new signing David Hamilton and an own goal by Hugh Davidson ensured Stranraer would be in the second-round draw on Wednesday although Brazil got a last minute consolation for Arbroath.

Morton and Gretna fans watched in amazement as long time friends Derek Lilley and Derek Collins squared up to each other in a heated moment during their tie which the Greenock side won 3-2 after extra time.

Lilley, who felt Collins had caught him with an elbow, said: "The red mist came down for both of us. I lost it for a moment but it was over soon and we shook hands."

Neither were cautioned by referee Willie Collum and it was Lilley who had the last say as he scored the extra-time winner.

Earlier Lilley had given Morton the lead but a David Nicholls equaliser sent the tie into extra time. And it seemed a headed Kenny Deuchar goal would win it for Gretna until the Borderers' defender Chris Innes was sent off and Jason Walker and Lilley scored for Morton.

St Johnstone manager Owen Coyle was satisfied after Steven Milne and Steven Dobbie scored in their 2-0 win over Alloa.

But new Clyde manager Graham Roberts hit out at his defenders after their 3-2 extra-time defeat by Brechin. Roberts said: "We lost three of the worst goals I have seen in my time in football."

Ross County manager John Robertson told his players that their display was not good enough after their 2-1 win over Montrose.

Raith Rovers manager Gordon Dalziel was also upset despite their 3-1 over Elgin. Dalziel, after seeing Paul McManus and an own goal from Stuart Cumming in extra time take them through, said: "I am annoyed at the number of chances we missed."

Hamilton's new signing Brown Ferguson was man of the match as he scored along with Steve Thomson and Lee Hardy in their 3-0 win at Queen's Park.

St Mirren missed new signing striker Billy Mehmet who went down with mumps but an Alan Reid extra-time goal earned them a 1-0 win over Forfar.

Third division Berwick shocked Peterhead with Gordon Connolly hitting an extra time winner as they came out on top 2-1.

And it took a bizarre Steven Boyack goal for ten man Stirling Albion's 1-0 win over Ayr United. A short passback put the Ayr keeper Mark McGeown in trouble and his attempted clearance was charged down by David Turnbull with the ball rebounding to Boyack who scored.

Partick Thistle manager Dick Campbell, who hopes to add to his squad today, was happy after their 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath with Steve McConologue and Andy Gibson on target.

Queen of the South cruised to a 4-0 win over Albion Rovers thanks to goals from Stuart Lovell, Derek Lyle, David McNiven and Brian McLaughlin. And it was also a 4-0 win for Stenhousemuir as they visited East Fife.