Arbroath suffer first league defeat of season

Posted Sunday, December 23, 2018 by PA

Ten-man Arbroath saw their unbeaten Ladbrokes League One record come to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Raith Rovers at Gayfield.

The Red Lichties had won eight league games in a row since a 1-1 draw at Raith in October but trailed to a fine free-kick from on-loan Daniel Armstrong after 19 minutes.

Liam Buchanan’s close-range finish – his fourth goal in seven games – doubled Raith’s lead in the 37th minute before Arbroath had Gavin Swankie sent off for a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time.

Lewis Vaughan hit a post for Raith after the break as they cut Arbroath’s lead to 10 points with a fourth win in five games.

Scott Agnew’s 84th-minute effort helped East Fife strengthen their third-placed position as they beat Forfar 1-0 at home.

That loss for Forfar allowed Montrose to move into fourth place following a 3-1 win over bottom-of-the-table Stenhousemuir at Links Park.

Christian Antoniazz and Euan Henderson – on loan from Aberdeen Under-20s and Hearts respectively – struck after 10 and 28 minutes to put the home side in control.

Paul Watson extended Montrose’s lead in the 67th minute, with Mark McGuigan netting a consolation nine minutes from time. Stenny have now lost six of their last seven games.

Daryl Duffy’s second-half penalty helped Airdrieonians claim a first win in four as they beat Brechin 1-0 while Kyle Turner’s solitary effort in the 66th minute saw Stranraer win by the same scoreline at Dumbarton.