SFL: Floodlights foil Queens, as Livingston beat Brechin

Published on Tuesday 1 February 2011 18:42

Queen of the South's first home league fixture since 13 November, against Ross County, failed to be played to a conclusion last night as a corner of Palmerston Park was plunged into darkness midway through the second half due to floodlight failure.

The Doonhamers were tied at 1-1 in their First Division fixture with County, however the game will need to be replayed after being abandoned by referee Eddie Smith, who waited in vain for 15 minutes to see if the errant floodlight would come back on.

The Doonhamers had taken the lead after only eight minutes after Allan Johnston had been fouled by Michael McGovern. Willie McLaren took the spot kick and shot-stopper McGovern saved, however the Dumfries winger tucked home the rebound. County drew level ten minutes later when Marc Fitzpatrick sent in a thumping header from a Richard Brittain corner, but both goals proved futile as Smith was left with no choice but to call the game off.

Livingston defeated Brechin City 2-0 to move four points clear in the Second Division and inflict a first away defeat of the season on their visitors, who finished with only nine men. Former Brechin striker Iain Russell opened the scoring with a fine strike after 25 minutes and substitute Robbie Winters sealed the win from close range with a minute left. Rory McAllister was dismissed with 20 minutes left and Gerry McLauchlan joined him in the dressing room 12 minutes later.

Forfar Athletic pulled to within a point of fourth placed Alloa with five games in hand following their goalless draw with East Fife at Station Park. The Fifers were awarded a penalty midway through the second half only for Robert Sloan to see his effort saved by Scott Gallagher.

Bottom side Dumbarton scored away from home for only the second time this season and just for good measure they did it again to defeat hosts Airdrie United 2-1. Mark Gilhaney slotted home a right foot shot after 21 minutes and the Sons made it two just after half time through Pat Walker. Ryan McCord netted a late consolation for the Diamonds from the penalty spot.

Veteran Andy Millen, 45, made his debut for Queen's Park in their Third Division clash at Annan Athletic, and he helped his side gain a 2-1 win.

The Spiders' Martin McBride missed an early penalty and the Galabank men built on that reprieve when Steven Sloan slotted them into the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Michael Daly shot home an equaliser on 67 minutes and two minutes later David Murray won the game to make it three wins in a row for the Hampden side.