Leagues 1 & 2
AIRDRIEONIANS’ slump continued as they lost 2-1 at home to the ever-improving Stranraer.
Not so long ago, Airdrie looked to be the side most likely to mount a challenge to leaders Livingston as Stranraer floundered at the bottom of the table. But the two sides now look to be heading in opposite directions.
Stranraer achieved their victory in spite of having Morgyn Neill sent off in the second half after giving away a penalty. Goals from Craig Malcolm and Ryan Thomson were enough to render a late counter by Andy Ryan as irrelevant.
Airdrie, who have won just once in 2017, slipped to fourth with the defeat and Stranraer, under new manager Steve Farrell, have climbed to seventh, just four points behind.
Cammy Belford, who saved Iain Russell’s second-half penalty, said: “It was a big three points for us to take us to six matches on the bounce unbeaten. The gaffer has instilled a lot of belief in us and all the lads are really grafting for the team. It closes the gap on the sides above us and we need to keep it going.”
Airdrie are clearly lacking selfbelief and head coach Mark Wilson said: “We need to perform better. Although we are a full-time club, all that means is we train a day more. Some more support from the fans would go a long way as there are a large number of younger players in the side.”
Livingston are seven points clear at the top but had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Queen’s Park after Scott Pittman’s goal cancelled out by Dario Zanatta.
East Fife are up to third after a double from Chris Duggan gave them a 2-0 win over Albion Rovers and Alan Cook, Mason Robertson and Colin McMenamin were all on target in Stenhousemuir’s 3-1 win over Peterhead, who had top scorer Rory McAllister sent off.
In League 2, third-place Elgin City were held to a 0-0 draw at home to second-place Arbroath, who had Ricky Little sent off.
Forfar remain six points clear despite being held to a 2-2 draw at Clyde. The leaders were left to rue the dismissal of goalkeeper Grant Adam for gesturing at the home crowd with 16 minutes left, an act manager Gary Bollan branded “sheer stupidity”.
Danny Denholm put Forfar ahead but they ended up needing a Jim Lister equaliser after Clyde turned the game round through goals from Peter MacDonald and David Gormley.
Annan are eight points clear in the battle for a play-off place after a 3-2 win over closest challengers Montrose. Bottom side Cowdenbeath suffered a seventh defeat on the spin and languish seven points adrift of Edinburgh City after they went down 2-0 at home to Stirling Albion.