SPARTANS boss Dougie Samuel believes his team are capable of retaining the Lowland League title after watching them pick up their first win of the season.

The defending champions required two late Jason Stevens strikes to beat Vale of Leithen 4-1 at Victoria Park.

Samuel, who missed his team’s opening two draws through ill-health, said: “We have been rusty in front of goal and it was pleasing today to see us create so many chances.

“This is a hungry young team that has the ambition and desire to win the title again.

“We needed to win today after drawing the first two games and I’m happy with the way we did it.”

Stephen MacDonald and Scott Maxwell were also on target for Spartans, while Keith McLeod netted Vale’s consolation.

Gretna twice had to come from behind to beat struggling Whitehill Welfare at Fergusson Park.

Daniel Smailes grabbed a brace while Dan Fitzpatrick and Gregory Armstrong were also on target.

Fabio Neto and Jack Wright scored for managerless Welfare.

Craig Malcom’s hat-trick gave early pace-setters East Kilbride a 3-0 win over BSC Glasgow at the Indodrill Stadium.

Manager Brain Kerr was delighted with the result. He said: “BSC are rightly considered challengers this season but I thought we controlled the game at times and Craig took his goals well.”

Ross Allum and Danny Ashe both netted twice as East Stirlingshire fired six past Stirling University.

Connor Greene and Derek Ure were also on the scoresheet for Paul Sludden’s team.

Dean Brotherstone’s late strikes gave Dalbeattie Star a 4-2 win over 10-man Gala Fairydean Rovers at Islecroft Stadium.

Lewis Sloan and Scott Milligan also scored for the home team.

Josh Morris scored both of the goals for Gala, who had Billy Miller sent off after 20 minutes.

Civil Service Strollers won 3-1 at Peffermill against Edinburgh University.