Lowland League round-up: Kelty Hearts survive Strollers fight-back as Bonnyrigg Rose strike late to keep pressure on

Title race shows no sign of slowing down as top two teams post hard-fought victories

Scott Linton netted three times from the penalty spot as Kelty Hearts took the three points at Christie Gillies Park

Kerr Young scored the only goal of the game as Bonnyrigg Rose sealed a hard-fought win over struggling Dalbeattie Star.

Following a goalless first half at Islecroft, the visitors enjoying the majority of possession, Robbie Horn’s men finally made the breakthrough with just six minutes to spare as Young met Lee Currie’s corner to send his header into the back of the net.

Strollers fightback not enough against Kelty

The victory keeps the New Dundas Park outfit hot on the heels of leaders Kelty Hearts, who edged out Civil Service Strollers 3-2 at Christie Gillies Park.

The Fife side raced into a three-goal lead with Scott Linton converting a hat-trick of penalties, the midfielder scoring his third midway through the second half.

But Strollers responded and reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute through on-loan Hibs midfielder Jayden Fairley, the 16-year-old heading in at the back post on his debut.

Josh Morris then set up a tense finish with a second just six minutes later but Kelty held on to retain their six-point lead over Bonnyrigg, although Rose do have two games in hand.

Strollers slip down one place to sixth.

Spartans leapfrog neighbours after winning five-goal thriller

Spartans, meanwhile, leapfrogged their city rivals into fifth after coming from two goals down to see off Stirling University 3-2 at Ainslie Park.

Craig Brown had given the students a narrow lead at the break before Chris Geddes doubled their advantage.

Michael Bolochoweckyi started the fightback with a close-range header and Jack Smith restored parity following a poor clearance from the visiting goalkeeper.

Blair Atkinson completed the turnaround for Dougie Samuel’s men when he converted at the back post in stoppage time.

Students off the bottom

Edinburgh University are off the foot of the table with only their second win of the campaign, a 1-0 success over Cumbernauld Colts at East Peffermill.

Patrick Baird netted the only goal in the 70th minute. The Uni are now two points better off than Vale of Leithen, who drop to the bottom.