A SECOND-HALF penalty from Stephen Husband salvaged a point for Barry Ferguson’s Kelty Hearts against Spartans.

The defending champions had gone in front at Central Park through Blair Tolmie.

But Dougie Samuel’s team couldn’t hang on for the victory against the league leaders.

The manager said: “I thought that was a great advert for the Lowland League with both teams creating plenty chances.

“We had our chances to go two in front but I feel a draw was probably a fair result.”

East Kilbride closed the gap at the top after Paul Woods and Craig Malcolm both scored at K Park for a 2-0 win over East Stirlingshire.

Former Scotland age-group striker Craig O’Reilly grabbed a brace as Gala Fairydean Rovers beat Stirling University 3-1 at Netherdale.

Dale Baxter also scored a stunning goal for the home team with Lewis Bonnar netting a late consolation for the Students.

Gretna stunned high-flying Cumbernauld Colts with a 4-1 victory at Broadwood.

Michael McAnespie, Kyle Johnson, Daniel Fitzpatrick and Stuart Gray all scored for Davie Irons’ team.

An injury time header from Paul Dickson salvaged a point for 10-man Vale of Leithen against bottom side Whitehill Welfare.

Struggling Welfare had twice taken the lead through Sean Lally and Kyle Mitchell with Liall Smith initially equalising with a wonder strike.

David Bonnar had earlier been sent off for Vale.

Home boss Chris Anderson said: “It wasn’t a memorable performance by any stretch of the imagination but we showed plenty spirit to come back twice with only ten men.

“We’ve got a comfortable enough cushion from the bottom teams just now but it was still important not to allow Whitehill to close the gap.”

Edusport Academy remain in the top half of the table after enjoying a 2-0 win over Civil Service Strollers.

Jean Guy Lucas and Matthew Flynn were the scorers.