Hamilton seem to have put all those wages payment rows behind them and are now intent on a quick return to the Second Division. And no-one seems likely to stop them if they continue the goalscoring form which earned them a 6-0 win over Montrose.
As the Angus side crumbled, David McFarlane led the way with a sparkling hat-trick, while Allan Russell added another two and Michael Moore also netted.
And East Fife exacted revenge for their midweek Challenge Cup defeat by East Stirling when they returned to Firs Park and romped to a 5-2 win.
Shire were two up at the interval through Gregor McKechnie and Steve Hislop but the Fifers showed no mercy in the second period against ten-men Shire with Douglas Todd sent off and Stewart Mackay, Barry Moffat (2), Steve Kerrigan and Paul Simpson knocking in the goals.
Peterhead earned a 2-0 home win, courtesy of Craig Cooper, with a 36th-minute penalty, and Martin Johnston.
And the woodwork denied both Brechin and Cowdenbeath as they fought out a goalless draw. On-loan striker Blair Sturrock headed against a post for Brechin, while Cowden's Graeme Brown also suffered the same fate with a shot.
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