UNITED ON LOAN

It was another action-packed weekend for our players out on loan.

Kelty Hearts continued their fine form and extended their lead at the top of the Lowland League after an emphatic 7-0 win against Gretna 2008. Young Nathan Cooney was introduced into the action early in the second half when he replaced former United youth player Matty Flynn, who picked up a knock after scoring.

The Spartans also continued their rich vein of form with a terrific result in their Scottish Cup tie against high flying, and spending, East Kilbride. It took a late penalty for Spartans to progress to the next round with a 2-1 victory and young Archie Meekison was instrumental in gaining the victory with another fine performance. Despite not being on the scoresheet, he terrorised the Kilby defence all afternoon and was unlucky when his shot came back off the post in the second half.

Another team who is also enjoying that winning feeling at the moment is Montrose. They claimed their third consecutive win away from home with a 1-0 victory over Airdrie. 17-year-old Chris Mochrie gained more valuable minutes in this League One clash which saw Stewart Petrie's side climb into the top four.

Elsewhere in League One, Ross Graham and Cove Rangers will be disappointed to lose 1-0 away to Dumbarton. This was Cove's second defeat on the bounce and sees them drop to third in the division. Young Ross was an unused sub in the game.

Meanwhile, it was a good home win for both Peterhead and young Kieran Freeman as they saw off East Fife 2-1 at the Balmoor Stadium to climb away from the relegation places, with Kieran playing another 90 minutes for the Blue Toon.

Cammy Smith was suspended for Ayr United's televised Championship clash with Raith Rovers on Friday night which ended in a goalless stalemate, while Flo Hoti missed out in Forfar's 2-0 loss to Partick Thistle.

Youngsters Lewis Fraser and Mackenzie Lemon were unable to face off against each other this weekend as the match between East Craigie and North End was postponed due to weather.