A KIERON Hall first-half hat-trick gave Stirling University their biggest win in the Lowland League since Shelley Kerr’s departure last summer.

Rory MacEwan and Tom Cowley were also on target for Chris Geddes’ team in the 5-1 win over Edinburgh University.

An early Jamie Dishington strike took Spartans to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over bottom side Whitehill Welfare.

Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said: “Whitehill are in a false position just now and today they showed plenty of quality to cause us problems and make life difficult.

“I’m happy with the win, though, as today proved each game can be really difficult in this leage.

“Being top of the league doesn’t really matter just now – it’s next March when we want to be there.”

Kelty Hearts moved into third with a 2-0 victory over managerless East Stirlingshire.

Matthew Gay and Conrad Courts were on target at New Central Park.

Connor Graham and Dean Brotherston helped Dalbeattie Star to a 2-1 victory in the Dumfriesshire derby against Gretna.

Jake Smith netted the consolation at Islecroft Stadium.

BSC Glasgow came from behind to claim the points at Civil Service Strollers.

Steven Froud had given the hosts a first-half lead before Thomas Orr and Robbie Duncan netted for Stephen Swift’s team after the interval.

Swift said: “Civil are a really difficult team to break down and we did well to be patient and take our chances when they came along.

“We haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to the season but hopefully we can kick on and now and start climbing up the table.”

Scott Ferguson and Jordan Alexandre were Edusport Academy’s goal heroes in their 2-0 win over Vale of Leithen at Galabank.

East Kilbride crashed out of the Irn Bru Cup against Edinburgh City at K Park.

Selkirk's Allan Smith scored twice with Blair Henderson from Earlston netting City's other goal in the 3-2 win.