Arbroath end St Johnstone’s unbeaten start with victory at Gayfield Park

St Johnstone’s unbeaten start in the Scottish Championship came to an end as Arbroath came from behind to claim an impressive 3-1 win at Gayfield Park.

After two consecutive goalless draws, Simo Valakari’s side looked to have rediscovered their touch when Josh McPake’s cool fifth-minute finish put the visitors in front.

Jamie Gullan had a chance to extend Saints’ lead but Arbroath hit back and were level six minutes into the second half through an impressive low drive from Findlay Marshall.

Gavin Reilly poked the hosts in front six minutes later after Marshall’s initial effort was parried by Saints goalkeeper Toby Steward, then Marshall helped himself to his second to seal the win.

Ben Dempsey grabbed a late winner as Ayr extended their own unbeaten league run to eight games with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Morton at Somerset Park.

A Marco Rus effort on the stroke of half-time was cancelled out by Cammy Ballantyne who looked to have grabbed a point for Morton – themselves unbeaten in five – with little over 10 minutes remaining.

But Dempsey was on hand to poke home on the rebound after Anton Dowds had seen his penalty saved by Morton keeper James Storer three minutes from time.

Oisin Smyth scored the only goal of the game as Partick went nine unbeaten with a 1-0 win over struggling Ross County at Firhill.

Airdrie had goalkeeper Matthew Connolly to thank for ending a run of three straight losses as his late save to deny Tyrece McDonnell ensured their trip to Queen’s Park finished goalless.