Matthews strike trumps Diamonds for third time as Raith go seven points clear
Raith Rovers struck Airdrie’s title hopes a blow with a 1-0 victory in Lanarkshire, the Kirkcaldy men opening up a seven-point gap on the Diamonds as a result.
The winning goal came after only four minutes when Ross Matthews flicked out a boot to turn in a left-wing cross from
Kieran Macdonald. John Baird then came close to a second before the break with a delicate chip that brought out a fine save from goalkeeper Scott Gallacher.
A header by Sean Crichton that flashed past was the closest Airdrie, who have lost all three of their meetings with Raith, came to restoring parity.
Stark’s Park manager John Mcglynn said: “It was a very professional performance.
Scoring early gave us confidence and a platform to play the way we wanted.”
Falkirk fell three points behind the leaders as they were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom of the table
Stranraer at Stair Park.
Aidan Connolly fired the Bairns into the lead on 31 minutes but Ryan Thomson tapped in a Ryan Stevenson cross seven minutes into the second half.
East Fife defeated visitors
Dumbarton 4-2 in a game in which both sides scored in doubles.
The hosts led after Scott Agnew and Chris Higgins netted, but the Sons’ Morgyn Neill headed in right on half-time.
Robert Jones equalised before Stewart Murdoch nodded home and Agnew netted a free-kick.
Montrose looked to be cruising to a win over visitors Peterhead but the Gable
Endies ended up holding on for a 4-3 success. Cammy Ballantyne’s early goal plus Blair Lyons’ double had Montrose three up before Alan Cook thumped the Blue Toon alive just before the break.
Matty Allan made it 4-1 before Derek Lyle and Scott Browngoalsforpeterheadhad the hosts sweating.
Jordan Kirkpatrick scored either side of a Barry Cuddihy goal as Forfar defeated Clyde 2-1 at Station Park.