KELTY boss Barry Ferguson refused to accept his team had taken a giant stride towards the title, despite beating closest rivals Bonnyrigg Rose.

Ross Philp, Dylan Easton and Nathan Austin all netted at New Central Park for the home team in the 3-2 victory.

Hearts are now six points clear, with a much greater goal difference, having played a game more than Rose.

But Ferguson believes his players will have to stretch their unbeaten run, which goes back to September, even further to collect any silverware.

He said: “We are obviously delighted with the win today.

“That was far from being a title decider, we’ve still to go to Bonnyrigg and have other tough matches to come.

“It’s a positive result, and one that I thought the boys deserved, but it’s no more than that.”

Lee Currie and George Hunter were on target for Rose.

East Stirlingshire’s push for third was derailed as they were beaten 3-1 by Caledonian Braves at the Falkirk Stadium.

Nicky Low, who was later red carded, had cancelled out David Winters’ opener for Braves, but goals in the second half from Neil McClaughlin and Ross McNeil made sure the points went home with Ricky Waddell’s team.

Gala Fairydean Rovers defender Gareth Rodger celebrated signing a new contract by scoring the first in his team’s 4-0 win over Civil Service Strollers.

The 26-year-old, who was recruited from Stirling Albion at the end of last year, said: “That’s my eighth straight game since coming here, which is great as I’ve had injury problems for a couple of years and never really got a run of matches.

“I’m enjoying myself, that’s why I signed a new contract and I owed it to the manager to get that goal today.”

Scott Taylor McKenzie, Alex Chingwalu and Jacob Campbell also scored for the home team.

Edinburgh University twice came from behind to earn a valuable point against East Kilbride.

Paul Woods and Ricky Miller had both edged Kilby in front at Peffermill, but Patrick Baird and Josh Bannister responded for the Students.

A Jamie Penker goal was enough for Stirling University to beat Gretna 1-0 at Forthbank.

Vale of Leithen were beaten 2-1 at Spartans on Friday night, and BSC Glasgow beat Cumbernauld Colts 3-1 under the floodlights.