Aitken at double as Forfar stun leaders Raith

Raith Rovers have left themselves open to being overtaken by Ayr at the top of League 1 at Arbroath tonight after going down 2-1 at Forfar.

In the first half the visiting Lewis Vaughan had a blistering drive turned past for a corner before the Loons’ Andy Munro had a goal disallowed for offside.

After the break the hosts were on top and it was no surprise when Matthew Aitken gave them the lead on 68 minutes when he took advantage of a slip by Raith goalkeeper Aaron Lennox to shoot home.

Aitken slotted in his second eight minutes later with Vaughan grabbing a consolation for Raith on 72 minutes.

East Fife gave their play-off hopes a lift with a 2-1 win at Alloa where Kevin Smith’s tapin nine minutes into the second half broke the deadlock.

The Wasps equalised four minutes later when Garry Fleming slotted home a spot kick, but Chris Duggan quickly re-established the Bayview side’s lead from 20 yards with Fleming’s night ending early due to a red card.

The contest between Airdrie and Stranraer featured early penalty kicks, the Diamonds ending up 2-1 winners. Stranraer took the lead after only three minutes when Kyle Turner scored from 12 yards, Ryan Conroy responding in a similar fashion.

Darryl Duffy grabbed the winner on 71 minutes.

Albion Rovers drew 1-1 with bottom side Queen’s Park at Cliftonhill. Ross Davidson fired the Coatbridge men ahead midway through the first half with Sean Burns levelling on 51 minutes. ● Lawrence Shankland is available for Ayr’s trip to Arbroath tonight after suffering a cut head against Raith at the weekend and Mark Kerr should shake off a knock to play but Paddy Boyle and Chris Higgins are sidelined.

Arbroath’s Steven Doris remains out after knee surgery, Michael Mckenna is a doubt but Gavin Swankie is available again.