Loons’ hopes dashed by late Airdrie goals

Forfar Athletic slumped closer to the relegation trapdoor after coming up just short of an Airdrie side with designs on promotion last night.

Having fallen behind early, the Loons fought back bravely to level but were denied reward by two late goals.

The Loons fell behind within two minutes after Hamish Thomson nodded Calum Gallagher’s cross into his own net.

Loons keeper Marc Mccallum prevented further damage when he denied Kyle Turner.

Forfar remained on the back foot with both Dale Carrick and Turner firing shots off target before Sean Crighton sent a header crashing off the upright.

The Loons keeper was in action again to turn a netbound Jack Mckay shot behind for a corner and from the resulting flag-kick Gallagher sent a header inches wide.

Forfar mustered their first shot at goal on 37 minutes but Scott Fenwick’s 14-yard effort was comfortably held by Max Currie.

It sparked hopes of a revival for the visitors and, after Murray Mckintosh made space for a shot which Currie again saved, Forfar drew level when Grant Anderson met Dan Scally’s cross with a header which gave the home keeper no chance.

Forfar threatened to complete their recovery as Scally and Anderson went close in quick succession.

Forfar had a huge letoff when Gallagher missed a guilt-edged chance to put the Diamonds back in front, his tame effort allowing Mccallum to save.

But Gallagher atoned for his miss by notching the winner when he darted clear of his marker to head home Leon Mccann’s cross and it was cruel on Forfar when Kyle Connell fired in a third in stoppage time.