Lanark knocked for six as their four-game unbeaten run comes to a shuddering end.

Mar 18 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

A BATTERING at Beith emphatically ended Lanark United’s run of four straight wins as they crashed 6-1 away to the Super Premier League’s runaway leaders.

All six goals were conceded during a traumatic first half for the Lanarkshire outfit.

But Bellshill Athletic marked their return to league football by notching up a 3-2 win at Kirkintilloch, which dragged Rob Roy back into relegation trouble.

The euphoria of beating Pollok the previous weekend quickly disappeared for a Lanark side missing key players Davie Gray and Grant Cuthill, after a dreadful first-half performance saw them ship out six goals.

A verbal roasting from manager Tam McDonald during the interval brought about a much-improved performance, which was rewarded when Mark Quinn scored a consolation after a Tom Hanlon free-kick had been blocked.

Lanark secretary Tam Anderson said: “This battering at Beith after four straight wins goes to prove that there is no room for complacency in this league.

“We will have to be at our best against Kilbirnie Ladeside if we are to take something from this difficult fixture.”

Bellshill recovered from the loss of a soft goal to clock up their third league win of the season.

David Fry headed the equaliser before half-time but a thigh injury forced him off in the second half and he was replaced by Stuart Boyd.

Kieran McAnespie headed the ball into the path of Stewart Livingstone to smash Bellshill in front.

After Rob Roy equalised Mark McVittie and McAnespie linked well to set up Boyd for the winner.

Manager Danny Drew said: “The players worked hard and deserved their win.

“They showed great attitude and fighting spirit throughout the match.

“It was great to get back into league action – to keep things ticking over we played a couple of friendlies and Shettleston and won both convincingly.

“We’ve been training at Toryglen on Mondays and Thursdays for the past two weeks while renovation work is being carried out at West End Park.

“However, we hope to be able to move back next Monday.”

Bellshill have a fitness doubt over Fry and defender Mark Booth is a long-term casualty as they head for Ayrshire to take on Auchinleck Talbot on Saturday.