Stirling 1-6 Dundee

Feb 24 2008 Michael Baillie Reports

BEAMING Alex Rae has backed his free-scoring stars to go all the way after watching his red-hot side turn up the heat in the promotion race.

The Dundee gaffer was all smiles after a devastating display kept the pressure on leaders Hamilton.

On-loan Hibs youngster Mickael Antoine-Curier was in stunning form, smashing home a hat-trick.

Colin McMenamin, Bob Davidson and Derek Lyle were also on target with Stirling sub Colin Cramb pulling one back.

The result left Rae with the belief his side can still win the title.

He said: "Mickael and Colin have scored eight between them in four games since I brought them in, while Bob and Derek also scored.

"We're strong up front. That's the sharp end and that's where games are won and lost. From the start we were on the front foot and our football was exceptional."

Dundee opened the scoring after 14 minutes when Paul McHale's cross caused confusion. Keeper Myles Hogarth went to collect but the ball flicked off Alan Lithgow's head and Antoine-Curier swept in.

The visitors went further ahead in 36 minutes when Gavin Swankie was played in. Hogarth blocked his initial effort but the ball broke to McMenamin, who bundled home.

Frenchman Antoine-Curier grabbed his second when his shot clipped off Stirling defender Laurie Ellis to beat Hogarth in 49 minutes.

And he completed his hat-trick eight minutes later, heading home a pinpoint cross from McMenamin.

Dundee sub Bob Davidson made it five in 66 minutes before Stirling pulled one back through Cramb.

But their misery was extended when Lyle headed home late on.

Stirling assistant boss Mark McNally said: "Dundee looked like scoring at any time. They could win the title if they hold their nerve."

MoM: Antoine-Curier (Dundee)