Champions Falkirk keep up unbeaten run despite squandering lead at Annan

CHAMPIONS Falkirk extended their unbeaten League One season to 35 matches but had to settle for a point after surrendering a two-goal lead in a thrilling 3-3 draw at lowly Annan.

Liam Henderson’s two goals – either side of Willie Gibson’s penalty equaliser – and a Aidan Nesbitt strike had the Bairns in control at Galabank.

But Gibson converted his second spot-kick of the afternoon to set up a tense finale before Aidan Smith dramatically levelled in the 90th minute to keep the hosts above ninthplace Stirling only on goal difference.

Stirling were set to climb above Annan and out the relegation play-off spot with a 3-1 victory over relegated Edinburgh City at Meadowbank.

Second-half goals from Josh McPake and Dale Hilson earned Albion just a second win in 10 games after Citizens forward Olly McDonald cancelled out Dale Carrick’s opener.

Kevin O’Hara secured secondplace Hamilton Accies a 1-0 success at third-place Alloa, while Montrose booked a play-off berth by beating Kelty Hearts 2-0 thanks to Blair Lyons’ brace.

Elsewhere, Queen of the South guaranteed survival and ended Cove Rangers’ play-off push with a 2-0 win secured by Jordan Houston’s goal and a Lee Connelly penalty.

In League Two, Clyde climbed off the bottom thanks to a 1-0 success over East Fife. Martin Rennie’s 37th-minute winner proved the difference at New Douglas Park.

Stranraer slipped to the foot of the table going into the final weekend after their winless run was stretched to eight matches by a 2-0 loss away to Forfar. Early goals from Mark Whatley and Stuart Morrison did the damage for the Loons at Station Park.

Bonnyrigg Rose, in eighth position, are effectively safe due to their vastly superior goal difference following a 1-1 draw at champions Stenhousemuir.

Rose midfielder Bradley Barrett equalised 10 minutes from time at Ochilview Park as the promoted hosts were held to a remarkable eighth consecutive draw following Gregor Buchanan’s first-half finish.

A Kieran Watson own goal in the sixth minute of added time earned a 2-2 draw for second-place Peterhead at Spartans after Cameron Russell’s double overturned Hamish Ritchie’s opener. Dumbarton also required a late leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Elgin. James Graham struck, adding to Michael Ruth’s goal, after City led 2-0 through Russell Dingwall and Ross Draper.