Maxwell praised his players for their attitude and commitment following their fighting 1-1 draw at Clyde on Saturday.

But he added: 'Rumours about the club going into liquidation only make my job - and the play-ers' jobs - harder. Greenock is a small town and these rumours spread quickly.

'I had to call the players together on Thursday and tell them to ignore these stories.'

At Broadwood a David Murie corner was met by Robert Rae-side and, although his header was blocked by keeper Bryn Halliwell, the ball fell for Steve Whalen to head into the net. Striker Brian Crawford netted Clyde's equaliser.

Pat McGinlay crashed in a hat-trick to lift Ayr United, who beat Raith 4-1 at Stark's Park, back into the promotion race.

However, McGinlay's sparkling display pushed Rovers further into the relegation mire.

Said McGinlay; 'I have been on the scoresheet a few times but this is my first hat-trick since turning pro. I am delighted.'

Manager Gordon Dalziel added: 'Pat has been in outstanding form this season.'

Ayr, however, had to fight back for the win after Raith striker Mark Jones, making his home debut, drove in an early opener.

After the break, McGinlay quckly hauled them level before Eddie Annand headed Ayr into the lead in 69 minutes.

McGinlay made it three in 81 minutes and then completed his hat-trick and the scoring with five minutes remaining.

Second Division

And on Sunday, Gay-field manager John Brownlie said: 'Colin had a cartilage operation and he will become even sharper. But he took his goals well.'

Falkirk striker McDonald opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark and, although he netted before the interval, the sides went in level as the Bankies struck back with James McKinstrey and Eric

Paton on target. Then, in the second half, first Paul Brownlie restored the Arbroath lead before McDonald completed the scoring and his hat-trick.

Runaway league lead-ers Partick Thistle saw their recent unbeaten run brought to an abrupt halt in a 2- 0 defeat at Stenhouse-muir, the Larbert club's dip into the transfer market is beginning to pay off.

An Isaac English goal on 13 minutes opened the scoring for the home side and Colin McKinnon sealed the win.

Promotion candidates Stranraer and Berwick shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

A Mark Duthie 25-yarder opened the scoring for Berwick but Alan Jenkins grabbed a 58th-minute equaliser.

Queen of the South fought back for the three points in a 2-1 win at Queen's Park.

The visitors' on-loan signing Stuart King cancelled out Stephen Canning's headed opener. Peter Weatherson knocked in the winner.

Palmerston boss John Connolly said: 'Stuart King's goal was special.'

Third Division

And after the bottom club's win, manager John Sheran said yesterday: 'Steve is a proven goalscorer. The big difference today was that we took our chances.'

Hamilton took the lead after only four minutes through David McFarlane. However, Montrose were ahead by the interval thanks to a double strike from Laidlaw, who completed his haul on 49 minutes.

New East Stirling manager Brian Ross celebrated with a 1-0 win over East Fife in his first game in charge. The crucial goal came on 40 minutes from Gregor McKechnie. Said Ross: 'This was a good result, considering the number of injuries we had.'

Brechin stepped up their bid at the top with a 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath at Glebe Park thanks to a double strike from Roddy Grant.