Arbroath stretch lead despite disappointing draw

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

Arbroath increased their advantage at the top of Ladbrokes League One despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Montrose.

The hosts, who started the day with a 10-point lead over Raith Rovers, finished it 11 points clear.

After a goalless first half at Links Park, the visitors appeared to have gained the upper hand when Montrose had Paul Watson sent off eight minutes after the restart.

Martin Rennie gave the 10 men the lead 15 minutes from time – but Thomas O’Brien equalised for Arbroath two minutes later.

Although the Red Lichties could not find a winner, events in Kirkcaldy made it a productive day for them as East Fife beat Raith 2-1.

Rory Currie made the difference at Stark’s Park, opening the scoring in the 12th minute and doubling the lead a minute before half-time.

Lewis Vaughan pulled a goal back for Rovers with six minutes remaining but they could not find a leveller.

Elsewhere, two first-half goals from Leighton McIntosh set up Airdrieonians for a 3-0 victory over Stranraer.

McIntosh broke the deadlock in the fifth minute and doubled the lead in the 43rd minute before Daryl Duffy wrapped up only their third win in 10 home games five minutes from the end.

Forfar inflicted a fifth successive defeat on Brechin, winning 2-0 at Station Park. John Baird opened the scoring in the 10th minute and Dale Hilson’s penalty 12 minutes into the second half made the points safe.

Stenhousemuir were denied victory by a late goal as Dumbarton earned a 2-2 draw at Ochilview Park.

Harrison Paton opened the scoring in the eighth minute and although Ross Forbes equalised for Dumbarton on the stroke of half-time, Mark McGuigan’s 54th-minute goal appeared to have won it for Stenhousemuir.

However, Forbes scored again two minutes into added time, after the hosts had been reduced to 10 men when Conor McBrearty picked up a second yellow card.