SPARTANS boss Dougie Samuel hailed his 10-man team for stealing the points against Gala Fairydean Rovers.

But the Lowland League’s longest serving manager was quick to play down his chances of winning another title.

Late strikes from Nicky Reid and Blair Atkinson, after Blair Tolmie had been sent off, brought celebrations to the Spartans camp.

Samuel said: “It was like a basketball game out there that could have gone either way.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult just to compete in the Lowland League these days, but we are making progress and I’m delighted to have the three points today against a good Gala side.”

Defending champions East Kilbride were stunned by the improving Caledonian Braves.

Ross McNeil’s penalty and a David Sinclair stunner gave the visitors the advantage before Craig Malcolm pulled a goal back for the home side at K Park.

But Jean Guy Lucas secured the points for the Braves in the closing stages.

Caledonian boss Ricky Waddell said: “I thought we were terrific today and we were rewarded for our effort.

“Few teams come to K Park and get a result, so I’m delighted.”

Thomas Orr netted a brace as BSC Glasgow hammered Dalbeattie Star 5-0 at the Indodrill Stadium.

Ross Smith, Robbie McNabb and Martin Grehan were also on target.

Kelty Hearts also scored five without reply against Civil Service Strollers at New Central Park.

Nathan Austin’s first half brace was added to by Scott Linton, Chris Dodd and Stuart Cargill.

Bonnyrigg Rose remain unbeaten after seeing off East Stirlingshire 3-1.

Lee Currie grabbed a double with George Hunter also netting for Robbie Horn’s team.

Mark Millar scored Shire’s consolation.

In a bizarre game at Forthbank, Louis Kennedy and Angus Mailer both scored in the closing stages to earn Stirling University a 4-4 draw.

The Students had been two up through Aiden Peden and Robbie McGale before Cumbernauld Colts stormed back with a Martin Wright double and goals from Stephen O’Neil and Craig Murray.

Edinburgh University picked a vital three points with a 3-1 win over Vale of Leithen at Peffermill.