DEFENDING champions East Kilbride moved three points clear at the top of the Lowland League with a comfortable victory over Gretna.

As title rivals BSC Glasgow and Spartans fought out a goalless draw at the Indodrill Stadium, Billy Stark’s team romped to a 4-0 win at K Park.

Ross McNeill grabbed a brace either side of half time with Sean Winter and Declan Hughes both scoring in the closing stages.

Manager Stark said: “Every point is valuable with the way the league is panning out.

“Spartans have games in hand so all we must do is continue winning and hope they drop points along the way.

“Gretna made it difficult for us this afternoon and had to be patient, but overall I’m pleased with the performance.”

East Stirlingshire had to come from behind against Edinburgh University to maintain their slim hopes of challenging the top three.

Paul Sludden cancelled out Joe Boyle’s opener before Andy Rodgers netted the winner at Peffermill with 10 minutes to go.

Selkirk moved up to fifth with a five goal demolition of bottom club Hawick Royal Albert.

Callum Helm scored twice with Sean McKirdy, Daryl Healy and Ciaren Chalmers also finding the net.

Selkirk assistant manager David Bingham said: “Hawick are an improving team so we knew we’d have to play well to beat them.

“I was delighted with the performance and the way we took our goals was excellent.

“We went through a sticky patch towards the end of last year but I’m pleased with the way we’ve started this year.”

Vale of Leithen moved into third-bottom after firing five past Gala Fairydean Rovers at Victoria Park.

Sean Stewart scored two and had an assist in his team’s other three.

The 22-year-old said: “The first half of the season doesn’t reflect the quality we have here at Vale.

“I’ve been working on my finishing as it was the one part of my game I wanted to improve, so I’m delighted to get a couple of goals today.”

Cameron Dawson also scored a brace in the Borders derby with Vale’s other strike coming from Lyle Smith. Billy Miller scored Gala’s early consolation in the 5-1 defeat.

Connor McGregor and Gary Nicholson were on target as Whitehill Welfare beat Civil Service Strollers 2-0.

David Sinclair salvaged a point for Edusport Academy with a late goal to cancel out Mark McKenna’s opener for struggling Dalbeattie Star.