Craig Fowler selects his latest SPFL Team of the Week, with Stirling Albion winger Mark Lamont the star man.
GK - Michal Szromnik (Dundee United)
Dundee United earned their first comeback point of the season when Billy McKay equalised from the penalty spot in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock. The Northern Irishman's strike might not have had the same impact on the result had Szromnik not pulled off a terrific save to keep the score at 1-0. The young Polish shot-stopper anticipated Tope Obadeyi's back-post effort and somehow managed to keep it out with a point-blank block.
DR - Scott Brown (Dumbarton)
The Sons pushed themselves up to seventh place - three points from safety and nine from the bottom - with a valuable 2-0 win at Alloa in the Ladbrokes Championship. Putting in a strong shift in an unfamiliar position was St Johnstone loanee Brown. The midfielder adapted well on the right, proving himself to be defensively solid, strong in the tackle and a willing runner from deep.
DC - Frazer Wright (Dumbarton)
Playing a starring role in Dumbarton's victory was Brown's former team-mate at St Johnstone. The veteran centre-back showed all the qualities that made him a mainstay in top-flight defences over the past decade, winning everything in the air and contributing a lot to his side's clean sheet.
DC - Dave Mackay (St Johnstone)
Despite scoring three goals at the weekend, St Johnstone were actually under a fair bit of pressure for a lot of their victory at Ross County, so I won't be too hard on Mackay for being the leader of a defensive unit that conceded twice. Instead, he deserves praise for his overall performance, including an 88th-minute winner from a superb free-kick.
DL - Jason Talbot (Dunfermline Athletic)
Dunfermline moved back to the top of the Ladbrokes League 1 table with a 3-1 win over Brechin at East End Park. Contributing to the victory on both sides of the ball was Talbot. The former Livingston full-back showed a real enthusiasm to get forward and support while also performing his defensive duties.
MR - Mark Lamont (Stirling Albion)
The ambidextrous wide-man swung the game in Stirling's favour with his first goal for the club and an assist that turned the match on his head. Elgin were leading 1-0 when the former St Mirren midfielder showed off a couple of step-overs before finding a yard of space and firing into the far corner with a right-footed shot. He then turned provider by whipping in a terrific cross, with his left this time, that landed on the head of Steven Doris. Lamont also shone in the midweek 6-0 win over Cumbernauld Colts (pictured) in the Scottish Cup. This week's star man.
MC - David Wotherspoon (St Johnstone)
The Saints midfielder is playing with a lot of confidence and this showed when he bamboozled Marcus Fraser before cutting inside and unleashing a tremendous shot that nestled in the top corner. That goal doubled St Johnstone's lead after the ex-Hibs man’s work rate and tenacity had helped put them 1-0 up. Chasing a lost cause, his determination won his side a goal when keeper Gary Woods smashed a clearance off him and the rebound dropped into the net.
MC - Willo Flood (Aberdeen)
The midfielder's stamina and energy played a big part in Aberdeen's victory over Dundee. During their poor run, the Dons would sometimes look a little lacking in tempo and urgency. Flood is a player who can change all that and his drive at Dens Park continually unsettled the hosts and pushed his team forward.
MC - Josh Falkingham (Dunfermline Athletic)
It's been a frustrating season for the Dunfermline midfielder. Viewed as one of the stronger players in the Pars team over recent seasons, he's had to watch on as Andy Geggan and Shaun Byrne have excelled in the centre of the park. However, Falkingham got his chance at the weekend and repaid his manager in the win over Brechin. When in possession he distributed the ball well, and showed a tigerish desire to hunt down opponents when off it.
ML - Niall McGinn (Aberdeen)
The Aberdeen attacker had his namesake Paul struggling at Dens Park. McGinn twisted inside and out throughout the first half and put Aberdeen on the road to victory with a well-taken opener as they reduced the gap on leaders Celtic to just four points ahead of Saturday’s Pittodrie clash with third-placed Hearts.
FC - Kris Boyd (Kilmarnock)
Boyd was a surprise inclusion in the Kilmarnock team that hosted Dundee United, mainly because Josh Magennis had been in such terrific form. Manager Gary Locke chose instead to recall the veteran striker, with Magennis on the right wing and it worked to great effect, with the latter crossing for Boyd to open the scoring. When the hosts were reduced to 10 men he was asked to unselfishly lead the line, which he did very well, particularly for someone who hasn't played a lot of football this year.
