Second Division: Boyle seeks to end season on a high as Airdrie fight for promotion

Lanarkshire neighbours Airdrie United and Albion Rovers face extended seasons after the remaining berths in the play-offs at both ends of the Second Division were filled at the weekend.

The Diamonds will be fighting it out for promotion to the First Division when they take on Ayr on Wednesday with the Coatbridge side making the long trek north to face Elgin as they look to keep their place in the Second.

Airdie, who started the day in fourth place, drew 0-0 with champions Cowdenbeath at Central Park.

News that promotion rivals Stenhousemuir and East Fife were both losing late into the second half calmed Airdrie and they were able to clear the field at full time in a happy mood and let the Blue Brazil take centre stage for their title party.

Airdrie manager Jimmy Boyle said: “We have worked hard in turning our season around and having reached the play-offs we want to go on and do well in them.”

Title-winning Cowdenbeath manager Colin Cameron said: “I am delighted to have won a Second Division winner’s medal and it is up there along with the other things I have done in my career.”

Airdrie’s result opened the door for Stenhousemuir to leap over them if they defeated visitors Forfar, however they went down 2-1.

Ross McMillan scored an own goal to give the Loons an early lead, but team-mate Grant Anderson levelled. Martyn Fotheringham won the game with a goal midway through the first half.

Forfar’s win turned out not to be required as Albion lost 2-1 to already relegated visitors Stirling Albion. John Gemmell gave the Coatbridge side an early lead, however Stirling hit back in the second half through goals from Stephen Day and Gary Brass.

Arbroath and Dumbarton warmed up for their play-off contest against each other with wins over East Fife and Brechin respectively.

Collin Samuel, Liam Caddis and Lee Sibanda all scored as the Red Lichties won 3-1 with David Muir grabbing a late consolation for the Fifers.

Craig Dargo hit a hat-trick in a 4-2 over Brechin with youngster Glenn Thomson adding the other Sons goal and Charlie King along with Craig Malloy netting for the Glebe Park men.

Wednesday 9 May

First Division Play-off semi-final, first legs: Airdrie United v Ayr United, Dumbarton v Arbroath.

Second Division Play-off semi-final first legs: Elgin City v Albion Rovers, Stranraer v Queen’s Park.

Saturday 12 May

First Division Play-off semi-final, second legs: Ayr United v Airdrie United, Arbroath v Dumbarton.

Second Division Play-off semi-final second legs: Albion Rovers v Elgin City, Queen’s Park v Stranraer.

Wednesday 16 May

First Division play-off final, first leg: Dumbarton/Arbroath v Ayr United/Airdrie United.

Second Division Play-off final, first leg: *Queen’s Park/Stranraer v Albion Rovers/Elgin City.

Sunday 20 May

First Division Play-off final, second legs: Arbroath/Dumbarton v Ayr United/Airdrie United.

Second Division Play-off final, second legs: Albion Rovers Elgin City v Queen’s Park/Stranraer

(*The date of the first leg of the Second Division Play-off final will be brought forward to Tuesday 15 May if Queen’s Park beat Stranraer to assist with pitch preparations at Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup final on Saturday 19 May.)