Reece McAlear on target again to lift St Johnstone 12 points clear at summit

Reece McAlear scored for the third successive match as Scottish Championship leaders St Johnstone re-established their 12-point advantage with a 1-0 win over Ross County.

The midfielder’s low shot into the bottom corner in the 25th minute was enough for a third win in a row in an eight-match unbeaten run.

Third-placed Arbroath were held to a goalless draw at next-bottom Airdrieonians, allowing Dunfermline to move within five points after they beat Raith Rovers 3-0, with two goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes putting a gloss on the result.

Calumn Morrison’s fourth in three games had given the hosts a 27th-minute lead but it was not until Andrew Tod and Chris Kane found the net late on that victory was guaranteed.

Ayr, in fifth, failed to take full advantage of the chance to also close the gap to Arbroath as they could only draw 1-1 at Queen’s Park.

Anton Dowds’ third goal in five matches had put the visitors ahead midway through the first half, only for Euan Murray to equalise nine minutes later.