Yoker Atletich 4 Shotts Bon Accord 0

Yoker Athletic boosted their chances of avoiding relegation with a convincing win over Shotts Bon Accord on Monday night at Holm Park.

Skipper Gary Bissland, Mark McManus, Liam Campbell and Gary Arbuckle were all back in the side as manager Steven Reilly opted for an experienced starting eleven.

After a tight and scrappy opening to the game, Bissland and Kenny Marshall began to dominate the midfield and chances began to come for the hosts.

Firstly, David Crerand shot straight at Whyte in the visitors’ goal before the keeper then pulled off a fine save from Andy Rankin.

Crerand did make the breakthrough on 17 minutes after Arbuckle’s excellent through-ball. McManus then had two chances to double the Whe-Ho’s lead before the interval.

The second half continued much like the opening period as Yoker dominated for large spells. Crerand made it 2-0 when he smashed home from close range after Whyte had spilled the ball on the hour mark.

Ten minutes later, Whyte could only parry Harvey’s free kick into the path of Crerand who completed his hat-trick to cap a fine performance.

Substitute Graeme Ramage sealed the victory with a fine finish after another Arbuckle assist. Further efforts from Richard Henry and Rankin failed to find the net as the Whe-Ho sought more goals before the final whistle.

It was a massive three points for the Whe-Ho and they now travel to promotion-chasing Cumnock tonight (Wednesday). Then, Bellshill are the visitors to Holm Park on Monday in a Central League Cup tie.

Reilly’s side still have some huge games to come with fellow Super League First Division relegation contenders Bellshill, Ardrossan and Maybole all to visit Holm Park in the coming weeks.

Primext Ltd man of the match: David Crerand.

Yoker: Campbell, Bailey, Harvey, Fyfe, Ross, Bissland (Henry), Rankin, Marshall, Arbuckle, Crerand (Ramage), McManus (Cairns). Subs: Watson (GK), Sharkey.