Former Central Parker Lewis Milne returned to Central Park to hit a brace to help his side go top of the league three points ahead of Peterhead.

There was one change to the side which had beaten Clyde at the weekend with Kyle Miller missing out due to suspension and Matthew McInally returning to the starting XI.

The opening minutes saw visiting keeper Fleming slide out to catch a McInally cross but the ball slipped out of his hands to concede a corner.

In six minutes a free kick from Mullen was met by Pyper with his header coming off the post but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside.

Then at the other end a Templeman shot from the edge of the box was held by McGurn and minutes later Milne got on the end of a cross from the big striker but his header flashed just past the post.

However with 25 minutes gone MILNE opened the scoring when he shot into the corner from close range after being put through on goal by Masson.

Twelve minutes later Milne turned provider to set up Steeves but his angled shot was blocked by McGurn at his near post.

Then at the other end Swann tried his luck with a long range shot which went just over the bar, while McGurn held a 25 yard drive from Masson minutes later.

Two minutes into the second half Montrose went further ahead when McGurn spilled a cross and Martin RENNIE was on hand to slot home.

Rennie was later replaced by Johnston who sent a shot high over the bar, but on the hour he was brought down by Gilfillan and the resultant 20 yard free kick saw MILNE score his second goal of the night.

TEAM: McGurn, McInally, Swann, Pyper, Gilfillan, Mullen, Cox (Muirhead 53), Reilly, Sheerin, B Smith & Buchanan. Subs not used – Penman, Rumsby, A Smith, Hornby & Fotheringham.

Booked: Cox (49), Mullen (61).

MONTROSE: Fleming, Ballantyne, Steeves, Allan, Dillon, Bolochoweckyj, Milne, Masson (Webster 69), Rennie (Johnston 52), Templeman (Fraser 65) & Redman. Subs not used - Millar, Fotheringham, R Campbell & Watson.

Goals: Milne (25, 60), Rennie (47).
Booked: Masson (60), Ballantyne (75).