BERWICK Rangers caretaker boss Ian Little took another step towards making the job permanent as the Borderers extended their unbeaten run under his charge to four and move into a play-off place in the Scottish Third Division.
“We had a bad spell at the start and got a bit of a shock when we went a goal down so early on,” admitted Little. “But we weathered the storm, kept our heads and went in at the break a goal in front.
“The strong wind made conditions difficult but despite that both teams tried to play football. It was a good all-round display, we played some quality football.
“Stuart Noble might easily have had three or four on another day and it was nice to see Ross Gray get his first goal in senior football right at the end.
“That’s three wins and a draw from the last four, I hope we keep the run going when we entertain Clyde on Saturday.”
Montrose took only nine minutes to find the target, Martin Boyle heading home a perfect cross from Scott Johnston.
However, Rangers hit back with Darren Gribben bagging a brace within five minutes of each other.
He levelled in 20 minutes with a low strike well out of the reach of Michael Andrews then headed the visitors in front in 25 minutes after Kevin McDonald set up the opening.
Paul Lunan equalised in 50 minutes then Noble put Berwick back in the driving seat on the hour mark before adding number four in 79 minutes.
Dougie Cameron gave the hosts renewed hope when he reduced the arrears in 86 minutes only for Gray to put it beyond any doubt in the final minute.
MONTROSE: Andrews, McNalley, Cambell, Crighton (Crawford 53), Douglas Cameron, Lunan, Winter, Masson, Boyle, Johnston (Dimilta 78), Pierce (McPhee 68). Subs (not used): Wood, McGowan.
Booked: Crawford.
Goals: Boyle 9, Lunan 50, Douglas Cameron 86.
BERWICK: Barclay, Elliot Smith, Thompson, McLean, Deland, Ross Gray, Currie, Notman (Lavery 83), McDonald, Noble (Damon Gray 88), Gribben. Subs (not used): Wood, Greenhill, Ponton.
Goals: Gribben 20, 25, Noble 60, 79, Ross Gray 90.
Attendance: 328 Referee: Kevin Clancy.