Raith see League One lead wiped out by Airdrie after draw

Posted Sunday, December 15, 2019 by PA

Scottish League One leaders Raith lost their two-point advantage at the top after being held to a 1-1 draw at Falkirk in a fiery clash which produced three red cards.

The hosts lost midfielder Charlie Telfer to a straight red card following a challenge on Regan Hendry just 14 minutes in and Raith took advantage as Jamie Gullan headed them in front eight minutes before half-time.

Declan McManus found the top corner from close range to equalise for Falkirk against his former club just before the hour, taking his league tally for the season to eight.

The away side were also reduced to 10 men when Kyle Benedictus was shown a second yellow card after 65 minutes, while Morgaro Gomis’ dismissal left Falkirk to play out the final seven minutes with only nine men as the spoils were shared.

Airdrie moved level with Raith on 32 points thanks to a 2-1 win over Peterhead, the Diamonds remaining second only on goal difference.

Calum Gallagher tapped home the opener from close range after Sean Crighton got his head to a corner to hand Airdrie an early lead.

A Dale Carrick penalty made it 2-0 – as he joined top scorer Gallagher on nine League One goals this term – before Scott Brown pulled one back for Peterhead on the stroke of half-time.

East Fife moved up to third following a 2-0 victory away to bottom side Stranraer.

Ross Davidson broke the deadlock as he picked out the bottom corner after 64 minutes and Scott Agnew netted against his former club at the death to seal maximum points.

Paul-Joseph Crossan scored twice as Dumbarton fought back after falling behind three times to edge a 4-3 thriller at Forfar.

Defender Michael Travis gave the home side the lead after tapping in a rebound after two minutes but Joe McKee picked out the bottom corner to equalise midway through the first half.

Travis headed the hosts in front for the second time but Crossan levelled before a Dale Hilson penalty saw Forfar edge into the lead at the break.

The visitors struck back a third time as Reghan Tumilty drew them level after 58 minutes and they went ahead for the first time with 17 minutes remaining as Crossan netted his second of the afternoon to clinch the win.

Also on Saturday, Blair Lyons was on target in each half and Martin Rennie added a late brace himself as Montrose claimed a 4-0 victory at home to Clyde.