A WAR of words erupted today after Rutherglen Glencairn co-boss Willie Patterson launched a withering attack on Cambuslang Rangers and accused them of ripping apart a gentlemen's agreement.

"Surely if there's any justice in the Junior game then Cambuslang Rangers will not get promoted," said Patterson in the aftermath of his team's 3-1 derby success last night between the leading Central First Division promotion aspirants at New Southcroft Park.

And he was not finished there in letting rip at his team's arch foes and, in particular, his Wee Gers counterpart Alan Wardlaw.

"Lower than a snake's belly doesn't even begin to describe that man and I'll certainly never shake his hand again," blasted Willie, whose rage was fuelled by an astonishing behind the scenes row over Cambuslang midfielder Thomas "Toosh" Hoey Glens insist that Hoey's transfer to their neighbours in January was conditional upon him not playing against them this season and openly brandished a signed declaration to that effect on Cambuslang Rangers-headed paper.

However, Hoey did take part in last night's contest and ironically he made a telling impact of sorts with a 26th-minute shot that Glens keeper Mark Wilson spilled into the path of striker Kevin Ogilvie, who netted with consummate ease.

That goal cancelled cancel out Glens midfielder Ryan McArdle's opener and levelled the scores at 1-1.

That's how things stayed until well into the second half when McArdle again and substitute Paul McDougall struck to seal Glencairn's 11th straight victory in these derby clashes against a Wee Gers side reduced to 10 men after Glens' ex-striker Ross Donaldson saw red for two bookings.

Patterson went on: "If the result had gone against us you wouldn't have heard a peep from myself and Scott Smith as it might have sounded like sour grapes.

"But having won the game then I feel it is only proper to vent my feelings over Cambuslang going back on our agreement in such a distasteful fashion.

"And the excuses being put forward border on the downright ridiculous as Wardy says he is only playing Toosh because of having no other option due to injuries, yet it is claimed his club contacted the SJFA last week to seek guidance on the matter.

"It's an absolute disgrace, but if this is how a club of their once great stature and manager want to conduct their affairs nowadays then I can only be embarrassed for them."

An anything but contrite Wardy came out fighting himself and he slammed Patterson.

"I have absolutely nothing to reproach myself on because we honoured our gentleman's agreement when we faced Glens for the first time in the league but insisted upon reviewing our arrangement going forward.

"And I attempted on several occasions to contact big Scott on this very review subject but he totally blanked my calls.

"It was getting to the ludicrous stage that Willie and Scott were having a say in the picking of the Cambuslang Rangers line-up and I, as manager of this club, will never tolerate that happening.

"Yes, we sought advice, and the counsel we received was to play Thomas - who we must remember is an amateur - so if that pair want to go off in a huff then I won't lose any sleep."

Cambuslang's slip-up was good news for Maryhill, now a mere point behind following a 3-1 defeat of Johnstone Burgh. Also making headway into fourth-top spot are Thorniewood United, 2-1 victors over Larkhall Thistle.

Elsewhere, Beith continued their winning ways atop the Super Premier thanks to Andy Reid scoring the only goal at Glenafton, but staying in close proximity are second-placed Irvine Meadow for whom Emilio Jaconelli (2), Zander Ryan and Chris Robertson were on target in a 4-1 defeat of Arthurlie, who finished with 10 men after John McLay saw red.