HOTSHOT Hamish Hunter fired Hawick Royal Albert clear of the relegation spot with a 4-3 win over Cumbernauld Colts.

The 22-year-old struck twice in the second half to give new manager Kevin Milne his first win – and move nine points clear of the bottom.

Hunter said: “Those are probably the most important goals I've scored in the two seasons I’ve played in the Lowland League.

“We’ve been struggling with only one win so far in 2017 and it was important we got something today.

“The boys are all thrilled and we can relax a little now with the pressure off.”

Kris Mitchel and Josh Morris were also on target for the Royalists.

Manager Milne said: “That was a huge three points for us.”

Sean Brown grabbed a double for Cumbernauld with substitute Jeff Fergus also finding the net.

Bottom side Preston Athletic were beaten 4-1 by Whitehill Welfare at Ferguson Park.

John Kerr scored twice for David Bingham’s team with Michael Osbourne and Daryl Healy also on target.

Reese Cochrane scored late for struggling Preston.

In the day’s only other match to survive the weather, Civil Service Strollers moved up to 12th with a 2-1 win over Edinburgh University.

Joseph Dingwall and Jack Dowie scored for the home team with Nathan Evans scoring the Students’ consolation.

In Sunday's SFA South Region Cup final, Spartans ran out 2-1 winners over Lothian Thistle.