Ayr pip Raith to promotion on dramatic final day

Posted Sunday, April 29, 2018 by PA

Raith missed the opportunity to secure an immediate return to the Scottish Championship after Ayr snatched promotion out of their hands on the final day of the season.

Rovers took on Alloa knowing they had to match Ayr’s result to seal the title and avoid the play-offs.

But Raith could only manage a goalless draw as Ayr beat Albion, meaning they had to settle for a play-off spot alongside Alloa and Arbroath.

Goals in either half from Craig Moore and Declan McDaid secured Ayr a 2-0 home victory and relegated Albion.

Albion were demoted to League Two after Queen’s Park hammered Arbroath 3-0.

Robbie Leitch fired them ahead in the opening minute and, after Sean Burns missed a first-half penalty, Luke Donnelly netted a second-half double.

Forfar left it late to win 2-1 at 10-man Airdrie.

Greg Hurst gave a Forfar an early lead and they were playing against 10 men for the final 30 minutes following a red card handed to Kieran MacDonald for serious foul play.

Ryan Conroy levelled with a penalty 13 minutes from time, only for Mark Millar to secure the win soon after with a free-kick.

Grant Anderson scored twice to give Stranraer a 3-2 victory at East Fife.

Scott Agnew opened the scoring before Anderson’s double, which came in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half, made it 3-0.

Efforts from Craig Watson and Jonathan Page set up a nervy finish.