Goalless draw keeps Arbroath 13 points clear as Raith move back into second
Arbroath picked up a point in a goalless draw against the ten men of hosts Stranraer and Dick Campbell’s side will be crowned champions this Saturday if they win at Forfar and Raith Rovers lose at East Fife, writes Craig Stewart.
The Red Lichties’ Luke Donnelly was denied before Stranraer goalkeeper Max Currie blocked an effort by Bobby Linn with Michael Mckenna firing the rebound wide. Currie was dismissed in first-half injury time after going head to head with Mckenna. Stubborn resistance, led by substitute goalkeeper Lyle Avci who produced a fine stop from David Gold, kept the visitors at bay.
Stranraer almost nicked the three points through Innes Cameron but Darren Jamieson stopped his effort. Arbroath boss Dick Campbell said: “We had periods of good possession, but we never put enough pressure on Stranraer. It is a better point for Stranraer as they only had ten men.
“We are a point closer and have three games in Angus coming up so it will be exciting.”
Stranraer manager Stevie Farrell said: “This could turn out to be a massive point for Stranraer and I am delighted with the players for the way they played in the second half.”
Raith Rovers are second again following a 4-1 home success over Dumbarton with Ross Matthews and Liam Buchanan scoring before the visiting Calum Gallagher pulled a goal back. Kevin Nisbet scored either side of the break to complete the win.
Forfar slipped down to third after losing 1-0 at Airdrie with the Diamonds grabbing a goal right on half-time when Josh Edwards’ cross reached Kyle Wilkie who stuck out a boot to volley in from six yards.
East Fife remain in fourth despite losing 2-0 to relegation-threatened visitors Brechin with Dougie Hill heading in before half-time and Ross Kavanagh capitalising on a defensive mix-up just after the hour mark to add the second.
Montrose took a major step towards safety when they enjoyed a 2-0 Links Park success over bottom side Stenhousemuir, with Terry Masson netting early and Martin Rennie sealing the win late on.