Raith beat Forfar to stay top but Bairns still close

Raith Rovers remain in control of top spot thanks to their 2-1 success over second-bottom Forfar at Stark’s Park. However, Falkirk

remain only a point behind following their comfortable 3-0 defeat of visitors Peterhead.

Daniel Armstrong’s solo effort on nine minutes put the Kirkcaldy men ahead and former Station Park player/assistant manager John Baird ignored appeals for offside to double Raith’s lead 14 minutes from time. Connor Coupe fired home an injury-time consolation for the Loons.

Rovers assistant manager Paul Smith said: “We did not reach the standards we are capable of but we are still top and that is fantastic.”

Falkirk co-manager Lee Miller side-footed the Bairns into an early lead against the Blue Toon and Declan Mcmanus converted a penalty after a Simon Ferry handball on 25 minutes.

Just after the hour mark Falkirk were handed some good fortune when they were awarded a free-kick which should have gone the other way, and Mcmanus thumped it home from 30 yards.

Airdrieonians kept up their interest in the destination of the title with a 1-0 win over visitors East Fife which opened up a threepoint gap on Darren Young’s side.

Dale Carrick scored the only goal of the game when he stayed calm after his penalty had been saved by Brett Long and converted the rebound.

Montrose remain in the play-off chase thanks to a 4-1 success over bottom side

Stranraer at Links Park.

Paul Watson volleyed the hosts into a half-time lead but goalkeeper Allan Fleming’s own goal brought the Blues level midway through the second half.

A late flourish in which Craig Johnston scored twice and Liam Callaghan also found the net kept the points in Angus.

David Goodwillie and John Rankin netted in the second half as Clyde defeated Dumbarton 2-0 at Broadwood.