Second Division: Arbroath blow another chance

The Gayfield side, who also lost a two-goal lead at home to Airdrie last Wednesday, led through Liam Caddis’ double in the opening 15 minutes but the Fifers, managed by Gordon Durie for the first time following John Robertson’s sacking, hit back through goals from Robert Sloan and Stevie Hislop before the break.

The visitors had David White sent off late on, but held firm, much to the frustration of Arbroath manager Paul Sheerin, whose side remain a point off the top having played a game more than their rivals. “That is another opportunity gone and we need to be more ruthless in the last quarter of the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, Durie, the Fifers caretaker manager, confirmed: “I would like to be appointed on a permanent basis.”

Leaders Cowdenbeath had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Airdrie. The Blue Brazil fell behind to a fine finish from Sean Lynch six minutes before the break, but they drew level five minutes after the restart when Mark Ramsay netted a penalty after David Lilley had fouled Scott Linton.

Cowdenbeath manager Colin Cameron said: “I couldn’t believe we were behind at half-time as we had been doing well. The penalty was of the softish variety, but we deserved a point.”

In-form Dumbarton, who had won eight of their previous nine games, had to come back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw away to Brechin. The Glebe Park side led at half time through Paul McManus’ volley and Rory McKenzie’s overhead kick before Bryan Prunty’s penalty and Scott Agnew’s free kick tied the scores. The Sons, now unbeaten in ten games, remain eight points off top spot.

Stenhousemuir boosted their play-off hopes when they enjoyed a 2-1 success at Forfar with Brown Ferguson and Stewart Kean scoring for the Warriors before Nicky Low replied for the Loons.

Stirling Albion moved off bottom spot at the expense of their visitors Albion Rovers as the Forthbank side ran out convincing 3-0 winners courtesy of Alan Cook’s double and Kevin Kelbie’s powerful strike.