NINE-man Spartans came from two goals down to dent East Stirlingshire’s title chances at Falkirk Stadium.

Shire had raced into a 2-0 lead through a Michael Bolochoweckyj own-goal and a Nicky Low strike inside the opening five minutes, before Spartans responded through Jack Smith and Ian McFarland.

Despite having both Dean Hoskins and Alan Brown red-carded in the second half, Jake Davidson grabbed a dramatic injury-time winner.

Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said: “That was an incredible comeback and I’m proud of my players.

“We didn’t start well and they took full advantage.”

A Scott Linton penalty was enough for Kelty Hearts to remain on top with a 1-0 win over East Kilbride.

Second half goals from George Hunter and Dean Brett moved Bonnyrigg Rose back into second with a 2-0 win over Vale of Leithen.

Bonnyrigg manager Robbie Horn said: “The conditions were a leveller today and Vale worked really hard so I’m just happy to be leaving with the three points.

“You start to worry when you miss chances like we did in the first half, but on days like this all that matters is winning and we did enough in the end.

“The longer we keep winning the more we’ll put pressure on the other teams at the top.”

Veteran midfielder Darren Smith came off the bench to score the winner for Berwick Rangers against Gretna.

Ricky Miller had earlier cancelled out Kevin Connelly’s opener for the visitors at Shielfield Park, before the 39-year-old found the back of the net on his return to the club.

Berwick boss Ian Little, who played in the same team as Smith in the late 1990s, said: “Darren has looked after himself and can bring a lot of experience to the club.

“We are a young team and having someone like Darren around both as a coach and player will help a lot of our younger players.”

Ross Cavanagh netted a brace as Cumbernauld beat Civil Service Strollers 3-2 at Christie Gillies Park.

Stephen O’Neil was also on target for Colts, with Cammy Muirhead and John Dunn scoring for Strollers.

Stirling Uni had goalkeeper Kevin Murray red-carded as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Zander Murray and Marc Berry had both scored for the home team before the keeper’s sending-off.

Ross McNeil scored both goals as Caledonian Braves held on for a 2-1 win over Edinburgh University.

Ross Waters grabbed the Students’ consolation.