CRAIG Malcolm strike moved East Kilbride to within three points of claiming the title.

The 32-year-old former Ayr United hitman scored with a header after half an hour at Galabank for Kilby to beat Edusport Academy 1-0.

Interim manager Stuart Malcolm said: “We had to work hard for the victory but we know if takes us a step closer to what we want to achieve.

“We have a two-week wait until our next match and we’ll prepare for it like we do any other.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers manager Dean Shanks hit out at his players after they gave up a two-goal lead in the closing quarter of an hour against East Stirlingshire.

A Phil Addison strike and a Ruari Paton penalty had given the home team the advantage but Shire responded through Ross Allum and Connor Greene for a 2-2 draw.

Shanks said: “We have got to be better than that.

“I know we had a lot of players missing today but teams at this level have to be able to see games out.”

An Ian Ballantyne strike on the stroke of half time gave Civil Service Strollers a 1-0 win over Stirling University.

The three points take Gary Jardine’s team back up to fourth.

Cumbernauld Colts required a late Stephen O’Neil goal for a share of the points with Edinburgh University at Broadwood.

Patrick Baird had fired the students in front midway through the first half.

Spartans came from behind to beat Kelty Hearts at Ainlsie Park on Friday evening.

Blair Atkinson and Scott Maxwell were on target for Dougie Samuel's team after Error Douglas had netted for Kelty.

All other games were off due to waterlogged parks.