SPARTANS striker Blair Atkinson ended his recent goal drought by netting four against bottom side Vale of Leithen.

The 23-year-old opened the scoring with a third-minute strike in the 5-1 win at Victoria Park before adding a second-half hat-trick.

Atkinson said: “I hadn’t scored for a couple of months so it was good to get the first goal – after that I took the chances when they came along.

“We will kick on from this result, I’m sure of that, and hopefully start climbing the table again.

“We’ve been really unlucky in a few games this season against the teams above us and if we can put a run together we are good enough to get back amongst things.”

Aaron Murrell also netted for Spartans while Alex Imlah headed home Vale’s consolation.

East Stirlingshire moved into second after a 3-1 win over Berwick Rangers at Falkirk Stadium.

Ricky Miller had cancelled out Nicky Low’s penalty for the home team before the interval, but Nicky Low’s second half strike and a late Peter McDonald goal earned Shire the points.

Cumbernauld Colts came from a goal behind at the interval to beat Caledonian Braves 3-1 at Broadwood.

David Winters had opened the scoring for the visitors, but a Fraser Team brace and a Martin Wright strike in the second half secured the win for Colts.

Ryan Shanley grabbed a brace as Civil Service Strollers beat 10-man Dalbeattie Star 3-0 at Christie Gillies Park.

Alieau Faye also scored for Gary Jardine’s team.

Jardine said: “The conditions made it difficult for both teams but I thought we coped well and deserved the win.

“A clean sheet is really pleasing as well.”

Liam Park was sent off for Star midway through the second half.

There was also a red card at Raydale where Gretna were beaten 2-1 by Stirling University.

Craig Brown and Callum Heath scored for the Students with Ryan Rogers responding for the home team in the closing stages after Jack Hunter had been sent off.

In the William Hill Scottish Cup all three Lowland League clubs made progress.

BSC Glasgow came from behind to beat East Fife 4-3, while Bonnyrigg Rose claimed a 2-1 win over Montrose, and East Kilbride hammered Formartine 4-0.