Veteran hitman Scott Dalziel scored twice as Kelty Hearts hit the top of the Lowland League for the first time with a 3-1 win over Gretna at Raydale.

The 32-year-old former Brechin and Berwick Rangers striker believes the former Junior champions can maintain their challenge.

He said: “We’ve found out how difficult this league can be but we have also shown we are capable of matching anyone.

“There is a long way to go but we are in good form and we will take one game at a time.”

Willis Hare also scored for Kelty.

Spartans fell to a shock 3-1 defeat at Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Jamie Dishington had fired the defending champions into a half time lead, but strikes from Sean McKirdy, Ruari Paton and Tommy Patterson after the break gave Gala the points.

Sean Winter and Craig Reid both scored as East Kilbride saw off the challenge from Edusport Academy at K Park.

Sean Stewart netted a double to take his personal tally to 12 league goals in 11 games as Vale of Leithen beat Dalbeattie Star 3-0.

The 23-year-old said: “We had a disappointing result midweek so getting back to winning ways was important.

“We weren’t at our best today but we did enough to deserve the win and keep moving up the table.”

Brad Rixon was also on target at Victoria Park.

Craig Holmes salvaged a point for third-placed Cumbernauld Colts against BSC Glasgow.

Declan Hughes and Joe Irvine had twice given the Indordrill Stadium side the lead only for Greg Pascazio and Holmes to fire back.

Ross Allum netted a hat-trick as East Stirlingshire came from behind to beat Civil Service Strollers 4-3.

But Derek Ure’s side had to rely on an injury-time own goal from Kyle Fee to claim the points in the seven-goal thriller.

Bottom side Whitehill Welfare earned a rare point against Edinburgh University with a one-all draw at Ferguson Park.