EAST Stirling manager Gordon Wylde sang the praises of Andrew Brand after the midfielder's hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Elgin City.
"There is not a better central midfield player in our division than Andrew," said Wylde. "His influence on us is
tremendous. He makes tireless midfield runs all day and gets himself into good scoring positions. He also organises and helps out defensively."
Brand's treble came after Willie Martin had given Elgin the lead.
East Fife continue to set the title pace and are now 12 points ahead of their nearest challengers after a 2-0 win over Dumbarton.
With injuries mounting, manager Dave Baikie gambled on bringing back long-term absentee Jamie McGowan in defence and it paid off, with the 37-year-old adding to Greig McDonald's opener. Baikie said: "I can't say how pleased I am. McDonald and McGowan did exceptionally well. I had no fears in bringing back Jamie, although he has been out for a while and lacked match fitness."
Second-placed Stranraer went down 3-2 at home to Stenhousemuir. Stair Park goalkeeper Scott Black gifted Steve Hampshire the second goal after the Warriors had gone ahead through Craig McEwan.
Although Mark Stewart pulled one back, Paul Tyrrell restored the two-goal lead to secure the points before Stewart scored again near the end.
Arbroath were left stunned after slumping to a 5-2 defeat at Albion Rovers. Rovers manager John McCormack was delighted as Pat Walker (two), Graeme Watson, Kenny Wright and Roddy Hunter were on target. After seeing his side score five for the second week running, McCormack said: "This is the place to be to see goals. But I would like to see the goals-against column reduced."
A superb Alan Rattray header earned bottom club Forfar a 1-0 win at Montrose.
The full article contains 317 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
