Raith go top as Ayr suffer shock defeat

Posted Sunday, January 07, 2018 by PA

Ayr United were knocked off the top of Ladbrokes League One after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Arbroath.

Alan Forrest gave the hosts the perfect start at Somerset Park but Ryan Wallace levelled for Arbroath midway through the second half and - even though the visitors had Thomas O'Brien dismissed eight minutes from time - they won it with Leighton McIntosh's 88th-minute goal.

Raith Rovers took advantage of Ayr's slip, beating Forfar 2-1 to move a point clear at the top.

Greig Spence gave the Kirkcaldy side a 13th-minute lead and although Josh Peters levelled eight minutes later, a trialist own goal in the 26th minute made sure of a home win at Stark's Park.

Third-placed Alloa came from behind to beat Albion Rovers 3-1. Joao Pereira Vitoria gave the visitors a 14th-minute lead but Ross Stewart levelled five minutes later and Paul Crossan (43) and Iain Flannigan (88) completed the turnaround.

Struggling Queen's Park battled to a 2-2 draw with Stranraer in a game where all the goals came inside the last 14 minutes.

Angus Beith (76) and Kyle Turner (90) twice had Stranraer ahead - but Luke Donnelly (80) and Adam Cummins' injury-time penalty earned the hosts a point.

The game between Airdrie and East Fife ended in a goalless draw.