League One round-up: Ayr claim top spot with thumping win

Lawrence Shankland was on target twice for Ayr. Picture: Craig Foy/SNS

Lawrence Shankland, inset, opened the scoring nine minutes from the break and Ayr then hit three goals in a seven-minute spell at the start of the second half. David Gold put through his own goal before Shankland nabbed his second goal – his ninth in eight games – and then Craig Moore made it 4-0. Gavin Swankie pulled back a late consolation.

Raith Rovers edged East Fife 1-0 in the Fife derby with Lewis Vaughan scoring the only goal after 28 minutes with a close-range shot for his 18th of the season.

Alloa Athletic clambered up to third with a narrow 1-0 win over Airdrieonians at the Indodrill Stadium. Craig Malcolm scored the only goal four minutes from the break when he reacted first to turn the ball home after an Andy Graham header broke to him.

Graham should have scored a second in the final minute when Alloa were awarded a penalty but Kyle Gourlay pulled off a fine save.

Forfar Athletic moved off the bottom with a deserved 4-3 win at Albion Rovers. Albion were on the prowl from the kick-off and, in their first attack, won a penalty and Alan Trouten made no mistake from the spot, netting his 17th goal of the season. But Forfar were level shortly afterwards with Alan Reid putting the ball into his own net.

Connor Shields put Albion back in front early in the second half with a shot from a tight angle but David Cox equalised five minutes later.

Cox then put Forfar in front with 13 minutes left and Josh Peters scored the fourth before Sean Higgins scored a late consolation.

Stranraer eased to a 3-0 win over Queen’s Park at Stair Park. It did not take long for the home side to get in front, Grant Anderson heading home after 12 minutes.

Skipper Steven Bell marked his 150th appearance by heading the second goal before half-time and Ryan Wallace wrapped up the points with a third late on.