League 1 Round-up: Ayr and Raith continue title tilt with wins

Ayr United and Raith Rovers pulled further clear of the chasing pack but both had to work hard for single-goal victories.

Ayr's Chris Higgins netted the winner. Picture: SNS/Craig Foy

Ayr remain three points clear at the top after a 3-2 win over Albion Rovers at Somerset Park and Raith edged Alloa Athletic 2-1.

Craig Moore put Ayr in front after Lawrence Shankland and Michael Moffat combined to set up the chance for his 17th goal of the campaign. But Sean Higgins equalised ten minutes later.

Shankland put Ayr back in front in the second half but Albion hit bach immediately with Alan Trouten slotting home. Chris Higgins then put Ayr in front for the third time.

Liam Buchanan should have broken the deadlock early in the second half at Stark’s Park but he blazed the ball over with the goal at his mercy. But Greig Spence fired Raith Rovers in front moments later. Buchanan netted Raith’s second. Kevin Cawley pulled back a late consolation for Alloa.

Airdrieonians saw off Forfar 2-1. Forfar’s Eddie Malone was red carded for a wild challenge on Dean Cairns after just 17 minutes. Dylan Easton gave Forfar the lead to punish Airdrie for not taking their chances in the first half. But Willis Furtado scored an equaliser and Cameron Russell netted the winner.

Stranraer hit back to beat Arbroath 2-1. Ryan McCord had given Arbroath a half-time lead but Kyle Turner headed in a Jamie Hamill cross and on-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith won it with 12 minutes left. Queen’s Park beat East Fife 2-1 with a double from Luke Donnelly. Chris Duggan had given East Fife the lead early on.