SPARTANS required a stunning second half fightback to continue their title challenge.

Former Ainslie Park favourite Keith McLeod had fired Vale of Leithen into a shock first half lead.

But second half strikes from Jamie Dishington, Ally Mackinnon, Aaron Murrell and Keith Murray gave Dougie Samuel’s team a convincing 4-1 win and stay in third.

Samuel said: “It was written in the stars that Keith McLeod would score against us – he is still a Spartans legend.

“Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season but the guys have been great for the last six weeks.

“We play Edinburgh City next week and it will be good to test ourselves against the champions.”

Defending champions City remain seven points clear after thrashing Dalbeattie Star 5-2 at Meadowbank.

Ouzy See, Shaun Harrison, Keith McConnell, Ian McFarland and Ross Allum were all on target for Gary Jardine’s team.

East Kilbride stay in second after putting four past Edinburgh University at Peffermill.

Former Arbroath striker Jack Smith netted two and Sean Winter and Craig Hastings were also on target for Billy Ogilvie’s challengers.

Gala Fairydean Rovers left Raydale with a 2-0 win over Gretna.

Former St Johnstone striker Stuart Noble added to Ross Aitchison’s first half strike to take Gala up to tenth.

Manager Steven Noble said: “We needed a win today after recent disappointments.

“Not many teams leave Gretna with a win so I’m happy with that.”

Selkirk left Meadow Park with a 5-3 win over bottom side Threave Rovers. Jack Hay grabbed a hat-trick and Garry O’Connor scored the other two for Steve Forrest’s team.

Forrest said: “It wasn’t our best performance but I’m happy with the win.

"We're up to sixth now and I'm hoping we can keep moving up the table.

“Threave will get better as the season goes on so I’m happy to get away from her with the win today.”

Cumbernauld were 2-0 winners over Preston Athletic at the Pennypitt.