EAST Stirlingshire boss John Sludden believes his team can go on and claim the title after moving into third with a late win at Netherdale.

The gaffer's son Paul scored with five minutes to go for the 1-0 victory over Gala Fairydean Rovers.

The manager said: “It is a big three points for us today as we weren’t at our best.

“All credit to my guys as they kept going until the end.

“We still have a few points to make up but there is still a lot of football to be played before the title is decided.”

East Kilbride maintained their four-point advantage at the top with a 2-0 win at Spartans.

Second half strikes from Craig Malcolm and Ross McNeil secured the points at Ainslie Park for Billy Stark’s team.

Second-placed BSC Glasgow also won 2-0 against Vale of Leithen.

Jack Smith and Robbie Duncan were on target at the Indodrill Stadium.

James Hainey doubled his personal tally for the season as he netted a brace in Civil Service Strollers’ 5-0 win over bottom side Hawick Royal Albert.

The 22-year-old, who has missed much of the season through injury, said: “I’m loving playing in the Lowland League and it has been difficult watching from the side, but getting back playing today was great.

“I am delighted with my goals and if it wasn’t for the keeper I could maybe have had another one or two.”

Jack Downie also scored twice at Albert Park with substitute Steven Froude netting the fifth in injury time.

Jack Smith hit a double as Gretna beat 10-man Whitehill Welfare 4-1 at Raydale Park.

Kevin Connelly and Daniel Wadge also scored for Davie Irons’ team, with Robbie Carter scoring a late consolation for Welfare.

Ryan Mackenzie was red-carded for Welfare.

Goals from Rafa Calbacho and Ross Watters helped Edinburgh University come from two goals down for a share of the points with Dalbeattie Star.

Curtiss Wilson and Tommy Muir had given Star the advantage.