Blantyre Vics were crowned Central Second Division champions last night following a dramatic 2-1 victory away to nearest challengers Vale of Clyde.

Stevie McDonald (pen) and Davie Kirkwood with a back post header had given the Vics a dream start at Fullarton Park, however they were forced into a rearguard action after full-back Davie Weir reduced the home side's deficit with a 44th-minute penalty kick conversion.

The Tin Pail laid siege on the visiting goal for almost the entire second half but could not snatch the goal that would have kept their title hopes alive and the Vics saw out the closing stages to clinch a memorable triumph with two league games yet to play.

Gaffer David Greig: "All credit to Vale of Clyde for giving us a run for our money but my players were terrific in the face of a barrage of crosses into our penalty area .

"We weren't at our best but league titles are won over a season and not just one game so nobody can deny we deserve to come out on top after such a long campaign.

"This team was bottom of the table, some seven points adrift of Newmains United when we took over so the turnaround in fortunes has been nothing short of amazing and all down to the efforts of the players .

"Alan Christie who came on as a substitute tonight is the only one remaining from the squad I inherited so this is a special moment for him above everyone else."

Disappointed Vale chief Ian Currie emerged to say: "I'm immensely proud of my players despite tonight's result.

"We got the ball down and played football of the highest order but just couldn't find the killer touch in front of goal on the night."

The new frontrunners in the Central First Division stakes are homeless Benburb following a 2-0 Brig O'Lea defeat of former league leaders Bellshill Athletic whose title challenge has slumped alarmingly on the back of eight league games without a win.

The Bens have displaced Carluke Rovers atop the pile however coming up fast on the rails are Shettleston for whom Steven 'Dunga' McLung bagged a brace of goals to go along with Scott Anson and Jamie McArthur scores in a hard fought 4-2 triumph over Glasgow Perthshire.

Mixed fortunes awaited the bottom six teams in the Super First Division after Renfrew and Kilsyth Rangers racked up p recious victories in their battle to beat the drop

Martin Dempsey (2) and Jamie Benton were on the mark as the Frew ran out deserved 3-1 winners over Thorniewood United while former Junior international Graeme McLaren bagged the only goal of the game as Kilsyth won 1-0 at Rutherglen Glencairn.

Top scorer Sean McKenna netted his fourth goal in two games while Jack Marriot and Jordan White were also on the scoresheet as Shotts Bon Accord beat bottom markers Lesmahagow 3-0 and Ashfield dropped deeper into the mire after losing 2-0 at home to Cumbernauld United.

Among a six-strong complement of teams compelled to get straight back into action tomorrow night to play their third game in five days are relegation- threatened Central First Division outfit Maryhill who host fellow basement strugglers Cambuslang Rangers knowing victory will ease them further clear of the drop zone.

Super First Division promotion challengers Shotts Bon Accord head for Yoker looking to close the gap on second-placed Beith should Johnny Millar's men slip up at home against the much improved Greenock.

St Anthony's are in Euroscot Eng Cup action away to Thorniewood United as are Vale of Clyde, who will not lack for motivation in making the short hop to face near neighbours Shettleston at Greenfield Park.

Neilston's reward for overcoming second round opponents Johnstone Burgh last night is a tester at home to high flying Clydebank from the Super Premier.