Queen of the South battle to draw at Arbroath

Queen of the South showed the resilience of champions as they refused to go down to what would have been only their second defeat of the season by hitting back in the third minute of injury-time to earn a 1-1 draw at Arbroath.

Allan Johnston’s side fell behind with just seven minutes left when on-loan Hibs youngster Euan Smith rifled the Gayfield men ahead from 20 yards. But, just when it looked like a 13-game unbeaten run was set to end, Nicky Clark forced the ball home from close range for his 30th goal of the season to level.

Palmerston boss Allan Johnston said: “The attitude from the players has been fantastic all 
season and it won’t change now. To keep going for a point tells you all you need to know.”

Queen’s advantage at the top is now 21 points and they need nine more to clinch the title as Alloa lost 1-0 to a Brechin side who can move up into second place if they win their five games in hand over Saturday’s hosts. Alan Trouten netted the only goal at Recreation Park to make it ten games unbeaten in a row for Ray McKinnon’s side.

Forfar remain fourth after twice coming from behind to draw 3-3 with visitors Stenhousemuir, while Ayr held out for a 2-1 home win over Stranraer. The Albion Rovers and East Fife contest was postponed because of snow, with the sides agreeing to try again tomorrow night at Cliftonhill.