FORMER Stenhousemuir striker Ross McNeil restored East Kilbride’s lead at the top of the Lowland League back to nine points.

The 25-year-old’s double either side of half time against Dalbeattie Star as well as Kieran Gibbons’ late strike give Kilby breathing space over East Stirlingshire.

Shire had closed the gap at Falkirk Stadium on Friday evening with a 2-0 win over Stirling University.

David Grant rewarded manager John Sludden with a late call up by bagging both goals.

Grant said: “It was great to be back in the starting eleven after a few weeks out and it was great to get both goals.

“Stirling made it difficult for us but we did enough to win.”

Third placed Spartans raced into a 3-0 lead against Civil Service Strollers inside the opening half hour at Ainslie Park with Jamie Dishington, Keith Murray and Jack Beesley all netting.

Shaun Turnbull pulled back a late consolation for the visitors to make the final score 3-1.

Spartans manager Dougie Samuel said: “We started the game really well and could have had a few more but credit to Civil Service for the way they came back at us.

“We are 10 points behind East Kilbride now and all we can do is keep winning and hope to close the gap.”

Cumbernauld Colts remain in fifth after earning a 1-1 draw at Raydale Park against Gretna.

Sean Brown fired the visitors into a fifth minute lead but Rob McCartney equalised for Gretna before half time.

Gala Fairydean Rovers' match with neighbours Selkirk and the other Border derby between Hawick Royal Albert and Vale of Leithen both fell foul to the weather.

All other Lowland League fixtures were also postponed due to frozen pitches and snow.