Queen of the South and Stenhousemuir clinch League One play-off places

Queen of the South wrapped up a Scottish League One play-off place with a 1-1 draw at champions Arbroath.

Peter Murphy’s side began the day in pole position to finish in the top four and got the point they needed to guarantee a second chance at promotion.

Reece Lyon’s first-half strike gave the visitors the lead before Ryan Dow levelled.

The champions had Thomas O’Brien sent off late on before Fraser Bryden had a penalty saved by Arbroath goalkeeper Aidan McAdams.

Alloa missed out as, having gone into their game at Kelty Hearts with their play-off hopes in their own hands, they slipped to a 2-1 defeat which allowed Stenhousemuir to nip above them into fourth thanks to a 2-1 win over relegated Dumbarton.

Matty Aitkin and Blair Alston’s goals for Stenhousemuir meant they took full advantage of defeat for Alloa, who conceded twice in three minutes to Kelty’s Craig Johnston and Robbie Cole. Luke Rankin reduced the arrears but it proved insufficient for his side.

Cove Rangers warmed up for the play-offs with a 4-2 win over Annan, who are heading for the relegation play-off.

Cove’s goal difference meant a top-four finish was already virtually assured and Adam Emslie’s brace, Findlay Marshall’s strike and an own-goal from Josh Todd meant they finished the season as runners-up to Arbroath.

Montrose, already assured of safety, were beaten 2-0 at home by Inverness, who had also already wrapped up their place in the third tier for next season.

In League Two, Bonnyrigg Rose face a relegation play-off against East Kilbride to remain in the Scottish Professional Football League despite a 1-0 win against Stranraer.

Aaron Arnott’s goal in the 70th minute was enough for three points but not to leapfrog Forfar, whose 0-0 draw with Stirling kept them ahead on goal difference.

Champions Peterhead signed off from the fourth tier with a shock 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Clyde, while runners-up East Fife prepared for the play-offs with a 2-0 win over Elgin, who had already secured their top-four spot.

Edinburgh, the other side in the play-offs, were beaten 3-1 by Spartans.