Nervous weekend ahead as all to play for at the top and the bottom

THERE is everything to play for at both ends of the table as League One reaches its climax on Saturday.

Stranraer, Airdrieonians and Albion Rovers are all chasing one promotion play-off slot and Cowdenbeath, Brechin and Stenhousemuir are all seeking to avoid the remaining relegation play-off spot.

It means there is something at stake in all five matches.

The only matter settled on Saturday was the fate of Forfar, who are automatically relegated after losing 3-2 at Albion with Mick Dunlop’s late goal inflicting the pain.

“I’ve never been in this position in my career, so it’s hard to take,” admitted Gary Bollan, the Forfar manager.

“The rebuilding process will begin as soon as possible.”

Brechin occupied the basement for much of the season, but their 1-0 win over Stranraer, courtesy of a late goal from Jamie Robson, means they will be safe if they beat Forfar on Saturday, given their goal difference.

Alan Cook scored a double as Stenhousemuir moved closer to safety with a 3-1 win at Cowdenbeath.

Ayr United leapfrogged Peterhead to take over second place with a 4-0 win at Somerset Park with Craig Moore scoring twice.

But the main talking point was the red card for Peterhead striker Rory McAllister after just 10 minutes for lashing out at Peter Murphy. It came shortly after he had missed a penalty.

Airdrie shocked champions Dunfermline with a 3-0 victory with Marc Fitzpatrick, Dylan Mackin and Jim Lister all on target.

In League Two, there is still a queue for play-off places with Queen’s Park, Elgin City, Clyde and Annan Athletic all still in the hunt.

Elgin improved their chances with a 3-0 win at East Stirlingshire with Dylan Easton scoring the final goal.

Manager Jim Weir is happy enough that it all boils down to Saturday’s game against Arbroath.

“If you had offered me that back at the start of the season last August, then of course I would have taken it, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said.

“We’ve climbed back into the top four after this win, so a lot of things have to go against us if we’re going to miss out.”

Queen’s Park also look a good bet after beating Clyde 2-1 but Annan’s hopes suffered a setback when they lost 2-1 at Stirling Albion.

Moses Olanrewaju and Ross Kavanagh scored for Stirling and Annan’s only response came from Josh Todd.