Bombers two wins from the title

Five Arches Bombers moved another step closer to the First Division title and a return to the top flight with a ruthless performance against Ruthwell Rovers. Greg Rice scored twice either side of a Rowan McGill strike and Russell Handley, Chris Ross, Graeme Maxwell and Connor Robb all scored in the first half to put Bombers 7-0 up. A second half brace from Graham Jamieson, an own goal and a David Bradbury penalty saw them hit double figures and moves them to within two victories of the title. Dumfries Athletic did their best to keep up the chase as they hit Loreburn Thistle for seven. An Alan Lamb penalty and a sumptuous lob from Alan Milligan followed by the first of an eventual hat trick had Dumfries in control before Lewis Kirkpatrick hit what was to prove scant consolation for Loreburn. Liam Watson added his second and third before Alan Milligan then Alan lamb completed their doubles for a comfortable win. FC Annan suffered a blow in their play off hopes, with resurgent Summerhill bringing home all three points. Jamie Coulter had Summerhill in front before two own goals swung the match the way of the home side, but Ian Christine pounced to send the teams in level at the break. Kyle Gallacher converted a penalty to put Summerhill back in front before a third own goal levelled the match. Last word went to Brodie McKerlie who lashed in a free kick to earn all three points. Over at Lockerbie Park Thistle kept their slim play off hopes alive as they saw off Black Bull Rovers. Tyler Jamieson scored twice in five minutes, the second a 25 yard lob then Robbie Simpson bagged a 3 minute brace to put Park firmly in control. Jon Muir gave Black Bull some hope but Owen Welsh restored the four goal cushion before half time. Rovers were more threatening in the second half, an own goal on the hour mark giving them hope, but a Lee Burke penalty on the 80th minute wrapped up the points for Park despite a third goal for Rovers through Steven Walker. In the Premier Annan Town and Nithside shared 8 goals, A Carl Crosbie double had Annan ahead but Sean Potts reduce the deficit, Shaun Bell restored the cushion before Ross Kane made it 3-2. Brian Mattinson then scored for 4-2 Annan but Nithside refused to be beaten and Ross Kane completed his hat trick to earn a share of the spoils. Normandy Star remain 6th but are now only four points off second place after they put Queens bar to the sword. A John Howie treble, two from Corey Thomson and a Jordan Nish effort earned Star all three points.