Forth Wanderers top of league

Forth’s fourth straight league victory came thanks to a Kristopher Dick hat-trick and further goals from Willie McLaren and Barry McGeechan.

Delighted Forth gaffer Jamie McKenzie said: “To get to the top of the table is a big achievement.

“Psychologically, I just hope we can keep it going.

“We just have to focus on getting over the line.

“If we keep winning then nobody can catch us.

“We just have four games to go and we could even win the league early.”

Captain Dick has been leading by example during Forth’s recent push by scoring six goals in the club’s last three games.

“Kris has been unbelievable,” Jamie said.

“The goals show just what an important player he can be for us.

“What he is doing is massive at this time of the season.

“He has stepped up and shown just how good he is.”

It was Dick who put Forth ahead against Benburb by volleying home after an early corner.

It took just 30 seconds for the visitors to equalise, but the game turned on an incident before half-time when Dick’s header was blocked by Scott Jarvie’s hand and the Benburb man was sent off.

Dick scored from the spot and netted again from 12 yards in the second half after Martin Hannaway had been fouled in the box.

Willie McLaren put Forth 4-1 up with 15 minutes remaining, before slack Forth passing let Benburb in to pull a goal back.

But Barry McGeechan rounded things off by netting Forth’s fifth goal.

Forth will try and keep their glorious run going at Newmains tonight (Wednesday) and at home to East Kilbride this Saturday.

“I’m confident the lads will handle playing a lot of games in a short time period,” Jamie said.

“We have a squad of 18 or 19 which has been further boosted by the return of midfielder John Watson who trained on Thursday after being out long term.”

John Rennie, who sustained a foot injury against Benburb, will miss the Newmains game.

Forth’s other absentee will be Willie Hardie, who has been out long term with a knee injury.