Stenhousemuir so close to historic Scottish Championship promotion after play-off first leg win away to Alloa Athletic.

Stenhousemuir have taken a giant step towards playing Scottish Championship football next season after a stunning 3-1 win first leg win against Alloa Athletic.

The Warriors travelled to the Wee County on Wednesday night hoping to take an advantage back to Ochilview Park for Saturday evening’s play-off final return leg. And they did that in style, taking home a two-goal lead after Ross Taylor, Matthew Aitken and Michael Anderson all netted.

Star man Taylor curled home the opener for Gary Naysmith’s side after 15 minutes, and the Wasps then found themselves two down at the break when forward Aitken slammed home from the spot in the half-hour mark. Things got even better for the visitors with 21 minutes remaining when fans’ favourite Anderson - who has been with the club throughout Naysmith’s historic tenure - fired home the third from range.

And although Calum Waters did pull a goal back for Andy Graham’s outfit in injury-time - part-time Stenhousemuir are in pole position to win a spot in next season’s second tier ahead of Naysmith’s departure this summer. The ex-Scotland full-back, who has led the club to within touching distance of Championship football, is joining Ayr United alongside assistant boss Brown Ferguson. The Warriors finished the campaign in second spot, only two points behind champions Inverness Caley Thistle.