DEFENDING Division A champions Chirnside United secured a potentially pivotal victory in the title race after defeating main challengers Hawick Waverley.

Waverley have looked dominant thus far this season but a Daniel Pattenden double helped United claim a 4-3 win at Wilton Lodge Park to move five points clear of the Hawick side.

Jake Lough and Alan Jess also found the net for Chirnside, who had Duncan Morrison sent off late on.

Morrison said: “It is always close when we play Waverley and this game could have gone either way.

“But we put in a good second half performance which allowed us to come away with an important win.”

Hawick United jumped above Jed Legion with a 2-1 win at Elliot Park, with Liam Lavery and Aaron Swailes scoring the Teries’ goals.

Ewan Waddell’s double helped Biggar United shock second top Hawick Legion 2-0 in Division B.

But the Lanarkshire side remain in the relegation zone after St Boswells won 4-1 over Linton Hotspur.

Langlee Amateurs moved to within five points from the top of Division C after hammering leaders Highfields United 5-0.

Jay Wilson, Gary Cleghorn, Daniel Cairnie, Des Sutherland and Bob Noble found the net for undefeated Langlee.

Ancrum remain in the promotion hunt after doubles from Dean Jeffrey and Jordan Nuttall saw the Bridgend men win 4-0 over Tweeddale Rovers Colts.

Josh Loftus’ hat-trick gave Gala Thistle their second win of the season after beating Melrose 6-4 and Scott Learmond’s treble saw Selkirk Victoria beat Kelso Amateurs 7-0.

Meanwhile, in the Waddell Cup Division A team Tweeddale Rovers thrashed Division C side Gala Fairydean Rovers 10-1. Grant Wilson scored four for Tweeddale, who travel to Lauder in the second round.