Second Division roundup: Cameron hails character of his Cowdebeath side

Leaders Cowdenbeath made the short trip to East Fife and ground out a 1-0 win to ruin Gordon Durie’s first game in official charge of the Methil Men.

Durie’s side had the better of the first-half, but they were made to pay for not scoring when they were on top. Blue Brazil winger Marc McKenzie scored what turned out to be the decisive goal two minutes before the break and their hosts were unable to force a leveller in the second-half despite Stevie Hislop, Ryan Wallace and Bobby Linn all having chances.

Central Park boss Colin Cameron said: “It was certainly a hard-fought victory and the boys had to show a lot of character to grind out the win.”

Arbroath kept up their chase of Cowdenbeath by defeating third-placed Dumbarton 2-0 at Gayfield. Chris Innes volleyed in a Liam Caddis cross to open the scoring after 24 minutes and Steven Doris nodded in another Caddis cross three minutes later.

The Sons have now lost to Cowdenbeath and Arbroath in successive games and are 14 points behind, meaning they must now concentrate on securing a play-off place.

Stenhousemuir remain in fourth spot after defeating Stirling Albion 4-0 at Ochilview with goals from Stewart Kean, Andy Rodgers (2) and Jamie Campbell.

Forfar Athletic took a step away from relegation trouble defeating Brechin City 4-1 at Station Park. Martyn Fotheringham scored two with Nicky Low and Kevin Byers getting the others and Scott Buist pulling a goal back for Brechin.

Elsewhere, Airdrie United won the last Lanarkshire derby of the season, defeating hosts Albion Rovers 1-0 thanks to a goal from Cameron MacDonald.