Second Division: Green light for the Red Lichties’ title challenge

Arbroath’s title challenge, faltering after more than two months without a win, is back on track with the 6-1 defeat ofAlbion Rovers at Gayfield.

Lee Sibanda gave the Red Lichties the lead, only for John Gemmell to equalise. The home side regained control thanks to Gavin Swankie’s run around keeper Derek Gaston, and Josh Falkingham drove home a third before half-time.

Swankie grabbed his second thanks to a Gaston error, before player-manager Paul Sheerin made it five. As if to emphasise the new life in Arbroath’s promotion push, latest recruit Collin Samuel scored a sixth in injury time.

The gap on the division leaders Cowdenbeath was reduced as Colin Cameron’s men slipped up at Forfar, with on-loan Aberdeen youngster Nicky Low’s goal helping a Loons side, who started the day in bottom spot, to a 1-0 win. Dumbarton came from behind to defeat Airdrie United 3-2 and consolidate a play-off place.

Ryan Donnelly gave hosts Airdrie the lead on 15 minutes, but Alan Lithgow equalised with a header 11 minutes from half-time. John Boyle edged Airdrie in front within a minute, only for the game to turn the way of the Sons three minutes after half-time, when Airdrie trialist and former Livingston defender Cammy MacDonald was dismissed after a clash with Bryan Prunty.

Scott Agnew’s shot from inside the box midway through the second half brought Dumbarton level and substitute Pat Walker ignored home appeals for offside to net a late winner.

Stirling Albion, who have appointed Greg McDonald as manager until the end of the season, returned to bottom spot after losing 1-0 to East Fife.

Brechin City’s home tie with Stenhousemuir was frozen off.