Blue Brazil slow the Reds

Cowdenbeath ended Second Division leaders Arbroath’s perfect record this season at their Gayfield ground, however the Blue Brazil could not get the win that would have seen them go top as the Red Lichties hit back to draw 1-1.

Thomas O’Brien shot the visitors ahead after 19 minutes, however Josh Falkingham equalised 13 minutes into the second period, reacting quickly after a Gavin Swankie free kick had hit the woodwork.

Despite going into the international break at the top Arbroath boss Paul Sheerin maintains that survival and not promotion is the aim this season.

Central Park manager Colin Cameron said: “The players are disappointed at not winning which shows that they want to be the top side as much as I do.”

Third placed Stenhousemuir failed to take advantage of the top two drawing, losing 5-2 at Airdrie. Goals from Ryan Donnelly, Paul Lovering and John Boyle had the Diamonds three ahead at half time but the Warriors rallied in the second half with goals from Colin Hamilton and Stewart Kean. A controversial fourth goal for Airdrie from Donnelly, with the Warriors believing that he was offside, and a Nathan Blockley strike had the game won before team-mate David Lilley’s red card for a foul on Andy Rodgers.

Stirling Albion moved into fourth place with a 1-0 win over Brechin City with Darren Smith netting in the first half. Brechin’s cause was not helped by Jim Lister’s dismissal following a clash with Gary Thom.

East Fife climbed off bottom spot after winning 4-3 against Forfar in a game where the Fifers were ahead on four occasions. John Ovenstone, David Muir and Robert Ogleby goals were matched by Kevin Byers’ strike, an Ovenstone own goal and Joe Shaughnessy’s neat finish with Ryan Wallace netting the winner.

Dumbarton’s match with Albion Rovers was postponed due to a water-logged pitch.