Alloa Athletic took advantage of their outstanding game in hand over Peterhead, previously cancelled due to Peterhead's involvement in the Scottish Cup at the time by extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points after an excellent 3-1 victory over one of the season's title favourites. The only unfortunate incident during the evening was a head knock for Ben Gordon when he had to leave the fielf of play early in the second half having suffered the injury just prior to the half time break but failed to recover.

This was another huge result for the club, Montrose once again proved to be very difficult opponents and grew in strenth after being able to survive Alloa's early onslaught which on another day Alloa could have been two or three ahead at the interval. The goals when they came were worthy of winning any match - Ross McKinnon's strike breaking the deadlock with only three minutes to go, and with Montose in the final three minutes pushing men forward, Armand One threaded a great through ball allowing Stevie May to extend his run of goals to eight goals in seven matches.

BBC Alba filmed Alloa Athletic training on Thursday evening at Recreation Park and also did interviews with manager Paul Hartley and striker Stevie May. This is to be shown on BBC Alba on Saturday 28th January, 2012 on their football programme which starts at 5.30pm (Sky Channel 168, Freeview 310). The main feature tonight is highlights of the Motherwell v. St. Johnstone game.

Manager Paul Hartley last night signed left back Ross McKinnon on loan from Motherwell till the end of the season, following Kevin McHattie returning to Hearts. Ross is aged 19 and is the nephew of ex Scottish International left back Rab McKinnon. Earlier this season Ross spent a month on loan to Second Division Dumbarton at the start of August, 2011.

Paul Hartley's "Wasps" produced their best team performance of the season so far at Stair Park against promotion rivals Stranraer. The team produced some of the best football by an Alloa Athletic side in a long while, great confidence on the ball, their passing football a joy to watch and four great goals in a match which really mattered. Certainly know one at the club is getting carried away, there is still an awful lot of football still to be played this season yet, but this was a game to remember. Alloa attacked straight from the kick off with the help of a very strong wind, it was important to get ahead and score goals with the home side likely to bombard the Alloa box in the second half. Although "The Wasps" went in 2-0 ahead at half-time the scoreline could easily have read 6-0 such were the chances on offer - Ryan McCord through, Stevie May shot, Ryan Harding shot, Stevie May cleared off the line, Stevie May/Kevin Cawley double save, Alloa's football on the day won the game. Stranraer introduced the physical Michael Moore for the second half, but Alloa continued to play football and were still creating chances. The third goal by Stevie Masterton had class written all over it and how he celebrated with the travelling Alloa support who were rewarded for their loyalty with a "Game to remember" performance from every one of the Alloa Athletic players. Stevie May then added the fourth goal, his seventh goal in six starts for the club, extending Alloa's unbeaten run to twelve league games. Special mention to Kevin McHattie who after the match returns to Hearts with the best wishes from everyone at Recreation Park after his loan period could not be extended.

Alloa Athletic manager Paul Hartley has extended Stevie May's loan deal from SPL side St. Johnstone until the end of the season, this is a great boost to the club and side as they continue their push for promotion from the Third Division. Great thanks must go to Steve Lomas, manager of St. Johnstone who has given his backing to the extention of the loan deal. Stevie May has brought great pace and direction to the Alloa attack, having made a great initial impact scoring five goals in his first five games for the club including a hat-trick against East Stirlingshire. Lets hope this is the boost the team needs to return from Stranraer undeafeted this weekend, extending the current 11 game unbeaten sequence in the league

PS - Appologies for intermittent contection to Alloa Athletic Web Page (The club are looking to move the hosting of the site due to the recent poor connection).

Yesterday's Third Division "Match of the Day" certainly lived up to its expectations in game that both sided were on top at times but Alloa Athletic finally getting their first victory over the Galabank side to move back to the top of the division on merit. Stevie May was to score the all important Alloa goal but on the day there would have been many a candidate for the "Man of the Match" award and manager Paul Hartley rightly praised his whole team. Annan had a lot of possession, especially at the start of the second half but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, although Alloa only won the goal by a single goal Annan have to thank their goalkeeper Alex Mitchell after he made saves from Kevin Cawley, Mark Docherty, Graeme Holmes and Stevie May in the second period to keep the visitors in the game. This is "The Wasps" first victory over Annan Athletic which was very significant but even more important was the a healthy crowd of 635 who must have been impressed by the football on show, lets hope they will return to watch Alloa Athletic look to consolidate their position at the top of the division.

Fraser Forrest has asked to be released from his contract, Fraser after making his 100th first team appearance for the club against East Stirlingshire at Ochilview on 2nd January, 2012 is going to retire from the game at the age of only 28, Fraser has been suffering from back pain and has been advised to call it a day, Fraser has never given anything less than 100% in his times at Recreation Park and a more honest player you will not get, the club would like to thank him for his commitment whenever called upon.

Fraser Forrest - Alloa Athletic Appearances   100 + (9)  as sub, 8 Goals

Young goalkeeper Grant Sandison who celebrated his 19th birthday on New Years day has went on loan to Oakley United who play in the East Region Premier League, their goalkeeper Kris Bower injured himself last Saturday against Downfield and will be out for some time, Grant has agreed to go on loan for the next five weeks and will look to make his debut for the Blairwood Park side against highly rated Newtongrange Star next Saturday, we wish him well.

Young goalkeeper Grant Sandison who celebrated his 19th birthday on New Years day has went on loan to Oakley United who play in the East Region Premier League, their goalkeeper Kris Bower injured himself last Saturday against Downfield and will be out for some time, Grant has agreed to go on loan for the next five weeks and will look to make his debut for the Blairwood Park side against highly rated Newtongrange Star today, we wish him well.

Ross Philp today played his first 45 minutes of competitive football since achilles injury back in March, 2011 suffered against Brechin City. Ross played in the first half of bounce game against Hibernian Under 19's played at Recreation Park today. Ross said after the match that it was great to be back involved and felt no pain and will now look to step up his push to return to yhe first team squad. Paul Hartley also included three "trialists" in his team against a very good Hibernian Under 19 side who recently defeated Rangers Under 19s 5-2 at Murray Park. The game ended 5-1 to Hibernian who were under the guidance of their head of Academy Coach James McDonaugh who started as a youth player at Recreation Park. Alloa's goal was scored by "trialist No. 8" who scored with acrobatic overhead kick.

Today's teams - ALLOA  1. Craig McDowall 2. Ross Philp  3. Mark McCullagh 4. Ben Gordon 5. Fraser Forrest 6. Stevie Masterton 7. Max Wright 8. Trialist 9. Robbie Winters 10. Trialist 11. Trialist   Subs:- 12. Armand One (2)  14. Craig Campbell (9)  15. Nicky Locke (11)  16. Kenny O'Brien (7)

HIBERNIAN - Dougie Horne, Bradley Donaldson, Jordon Forster, Harry Manihne, Adam Mitter, Marc Lancaster, Dean Horribine, David Gold, Ross Caldwell, Danny Handling, Harry Monaghan, Sam Stanton, Jamie Dorris, Jack Verth, Euan Smith, Alex Harris & Phil Addison.

Referee - Stephen Finnie

Goalscorers - Alloa - Trialist No. 8

Hibernian - Ross Caldwell (2), Danny Handling, David Gold & Alex Harris.

Alloa Athletic manager Paul Hartley confirmed after today's match that Peter Innes has been released by the club, Peter has recently suffered from injury and found it difficult to return back into the first team squad at Recreation Park, the club wish him well and thanks for short time at club.

Alloa Athletic started the New Year extending their 10 match unbeaten record in the league after a 3 - 1 victory in a local derby with East Stirlingshire at a very blustry Ochilview. The Wasps couldn't have started better with Stevie May heading the visitors in front in the opening minute, five minutes later however the home side struck with a bizzare equaliser, Stuart Beveridge's strike from well inside his own half being carried with the strong wind and bouncing over a surprised Alloa keeper. This gave the home side great heart and they competed very well and had others chances which caused concern. Mark Docherty was unlucky with a shot which struck the crossbar which was Alloa's closest effort in first half. The second half opened very simalar the first with a stunning Stevie May strike putting "The Wasps" back in front. Alloa then took control of the match and played some great passing football under horrendous condions. Stevie May looked to have put Alloa 3-1 ahead until the standside linesman flagged for offside before he again made no mistake for his hat-trick thundering a blistering shot past the Shire keeper. The result returned Alloa Athletic back to the top of the Division which was their aim at the start of the day, next Saturday "The Wasps" league match against Peterhead has been cancelled due to their involvement in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Also read Stevie May's after match comments in (Player Interviews section)