Queen of the South increase lead at summit

The Warrriors started brightly and John Gemmell sent an early chance over the bar before Queens opened the scoring 11 minutes from half-time when Derek Young volleyed in a cross by Chris Mitchell. It was 2-0 right on the break when Mitchell curled home a free kick. Stenhousemuir, boosted by Marc Corcoran pulling a goal back 90 seconds into the second half, dominated the rest of the game but the Doonhamers dug in and manager Allan Johnston said: “You are not going to turn out classic performances every week. Battling hard to win when not playing your best is a great ability to have.”

’Muir boss Martyn Corrigan said: “We had Queens under a lot of pressure in both halves but we did not get the one point we were due, at least.”

Alloa came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with visitors Ayr United.

Liam Buchanan fired home from ten yards to give Ayr the lead ten minutes from the break and Neil McGregor headed a second. But Mitch Megginson scored shortly afterwards and Buchanan got a second yellow card for diving 13 minutes from time. Ayr player/boss Mark Roberts was sent to the stand for his reaction and Ben  Gordon headed home in injury time.

Colin Hamilton’s first-half goal gave Arbroath a 1-0 away win at Albion Rovers, who had ex-Scotland striker Robbie Winters as a trialist substitute.

Forfar beat East Fife 2-1 with former Fifer Chris Templeman’s double before Scott McBride’s late penalty replay.

Brechin City stay third despite not playing for a fourth straight week as their home game with Stranraer was called off.