A LAST-GASP winner from Richard Kirwin gave Cumbernauld Colts a lift ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup tie at Stirling Albion.

The Broadwood club went in front through Andy Ward at the start of the second half before Jamie Gibson equalised for Gala Fairydean Rovers in the closing stages.

Kirwin’s injury time winner delighted co-manager Craig McKinley. He said: “The win takes our unbeaten run to nine games and gives us a lot of confidence ahead of the Scottish Cup.

“We had to work hard but we stuck at it.

“We have a huge game next week against Stirling but we knew we had to do a job today and I thought we deserved the points.”

Stirling University closed the gap on leaders Edinburgh City to just six points after a 3-1 win at Gretna.

Chris Geddes scored in the first half for Shelly Kerr’s title challengers.

Paul Sludden and Jack Nixon also found the net at Raydale Park to stretch Uni’s unbeaten league run to six games.

Bottom side Threave Rovers were put to the sword by Spartans at Ainslie Park.

David Greenhill netted twice for Dougie Samuel’s team in the 4-1 drubbing.

Dean Horribine and Craig Stevenson also scored to move up to fourth in the table.

Ian Miller netted Threave’s last-minute consolation.

In the day’s early kick off Edinburgh University squandered a two-goal lead at the Iselcroft Stadium to leave with just a point.

Scott McCrory and Jack Guthrie both scored for the Students before the break but Tommy Muir and Lewis Sloan pulled goals back for Dalbeattie Star in the second half.

In the South Challenge Cup, Edinburgh City came from behind to beat this season’s shocktroops Lothian Thistle.

Sean Muhsin equalised for the Meadowbank side after an early Scott Gormley strike.

And it was Ouzy See who grabbed a late winner from the penalty spot for Gary Jardine’s side.

BSC Glasgow made short work of South League side Upper Annandale at Lockerbie.

Aaron Connolly snatched a double in the 4-0 win with Ged Traynor and Ryan Carnwath also scoring for Craig Young’s team.

And elsewhere Ormiston dumped managerless Preston Athletic out with a 2-1 at the Pennypit.