Second Division - Nine-man East Fife grind out victory

Published on Sunday 26 October 2008 21:41

EAST Fife beat Arbroath 3-2 at home despite playing over half an hour with only nine men.

The hosts went ahead twice through Dougie Cameron and Paul McManus but they were pegged back on each occasion by goals from David McGowan and Steven Weir.

Kevin Fotheringham was shown the first red card for a last-man foul on McGowan before half-time and midfielder Shaun Fagan joined him in the dressing room for violent conduct five minutes into the second half.

The Gayfield side must have felt they were well placed for their second win of the season, but Steven Tweed struck to grab an unlikely victory for the Fifers with just four minutes left.

On a day when the desire for promotion was tested by the severe weather, Brechin had to ditch style for substance to beat Queen's Park 2-1 and maintain their three-point lead at the top of the table. Kevin Byers put the Glebe Park men ahead in the first half with a stunning 25-yard drive before young striker Ian Watt equalising for the visitors with 12 minutes to go.

But Brechin went straight up the park, and Darren Smith restored their lead and secured victory.

Raith Rovers remain second after a fine 2-0 away win over a Stranraer side, who were enjoying their best form of the season. Gary Wales and Kevin Smith scored the Kirkcaldy side's goals.

Ayr United and Stirling Albion drew 1-1 at Somerset Park with former Forthbank captain Chris Aitken firing Ayr ahead in the first half before Albion's assistant manager John O'Neil equalised 10 minutes after the restart. Ayr's Ryan Stevenson saw red shortly afterwards for his second bookable offence.

Alloa made it two wins in a row with a 1-0 triumph against Peterhead at Recreation Park. Midfielder John Grant scored the only goal against a Peterhead side who have only one victory in their last five games. Allan Maitland's side have now picked up more points in the opening two fixtures of the second quarter than they did in the entire first quarter.

&#149 The East of Scotland League fixtures were decimated by the weather, although Gala Fairydean took advantage with a 2-1 victory over Leith Athletic to open up a six-point gap at the top of the First Division.

Des Sutherland gave Gala the lead before they had Jamie Gibson sent off and Leith equalised five minutes from time when substitute Richie Johnston slotted home from ten yards. However, with only two minutes left Grant Robinson scrambled in Gala's winner.