Livingston beat Stenhousemuir to open up 16-point lead

Published on Tuesday 8 March 2011 15:27

Livingston's grip on the Second Division tightened last night as they defeated Stenhousemuir 2-1 at Ochilview to move 16 points clear as Brechin City stumbled at Forfar.

Iain Russell's six goals in a six-game run quickly became seven goals in seven games as he scored after just three minutes of the match.

Russell ran at the home defence that parted easily, and after shrugging off a challenge from Jordan Smith he finished low past goalkeeper Ally Brown from 14 yards.

On the half-hour mark it was two as Raffaele De Vita ignored home appeals for offside to reach a Jason Talbot through ball and flick it past Brown before finishing into the unguarded net.

The Warriors, who remain one point clear of bottom side Peterhead but six adrift of third-bottom Dumbarton, pulled a goal back 14 minutes from time when Alex Williams thumped home from the edge of the box after Tony Bullock had knocked a Sean Dickson free-kick away.

The Angus derby between Forfar and Brechin City at Station Park ended 2-1 to the Loons after a grandstand finish from the home side.

Rory McAllister had the only opening of note in the first half; however, Scott Gallacher was equal to his effort.

On-loan Hibs youngster Ewan Moyes headed Brechin in front 20 minutes into the second period from a Paul McLean cross, before Chris Templeman also used his head to restore parity with only four minutes of the game left.

For the second game running, Ross Campbell scored in the third minute of injury time with this strike taking Forfar above Ayr in the table.

Airdrie United and East Fife remain stuck together in mid-table after a 1-1 draw, with the Fifers left to rue a missed penalty from Jim Hamilton with 14 minutes to go. Diamonds winger Phil Johnston shot his side ahead after 12 minutes, however their joy was short-lived as the Fifers defender Jonathan Smart levelled ten minutes later when he headed home a Bobby Linn cross.

Hamilton missed from the spot after Paul Lovering was penalised for hand ball.