Ladbrokes League 1: Airdrieonians keep the pressure on the top two

The Ladbrokes League 1 title race took a fresh twist last weekend as neither of the top two could bag three points, leaving the chasing pack with more than a glimmer of hope of topping the division.

Ayr United’s trip to Brechin would have been seen as an away banker by many before Saturday’s fixture, as the league leaders visited City glued to the bottom of the standings.

Jamie Adams looked to have followed the script perfectly putting United ahead just before half-time, but the hosts had different ideas.

Just after the break Isaac Layne brought things level and that was how things remained, meaning Darren Dods’ side are still bottom, but are now without defeat in two.

So then, it was simple for Dunfermline. Had they secured a win at home to Peterhead they would be back at the summit.

But the Pars were unable to take advantage as the Blue Toon managed to avoid a third straight away defeat by holding on for a goalless draw.

With neither of the top two winning, the real benefactors of the weekend were Airdrieonians.

The Diamonds were quick out of the blocks against Forfar, taking a 3-0 advantage before the half-hour mark at Station Park.

A Scott Martin brace either side of half-time gave the hosts some hope, but they were unable to peg their visitors back.

The loss means Athletic’s run without a win stretches back to September 12, with that victory their only success in nearly three months.

For Airdrie though, they are now eight points off top spot and saw their league winner odds cut from 33/1 to 25/1 with sponsors Ladbrokes.

At the bottom of the table, things went from bad to worse for Stranraer.

The Blues succumbed to their fourth straight defeat when goals from Mark Gilhaney and Jason Scotland provided Stenhousemuir with a 2-1 victory at Stair Park.

The victory means Stenny maintain their push for a play-off spot, but for Brian Reid’s men relegation is looking a real possibility.

The three sides at the foot of the division are now separated by just a solitary point, with it all still to play for as the season heads into the winter months.

Things could change again on Tuesday when Albion Rovers host Cowdenbeath.

Victory for the Wee Rovers would mean they got to within five points of Ayr at the top and ensured the League 1 title race is about more than just two teams.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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