Airdrieonians battling to stay in Championship after losing opening leg at Alloa

Airdrieonians have it all to do to keep their place in the Scottish Championship after losing the opening leg of their play-off semi-final 1-0 at Alloa.

Alloa, who finished fourth in League One, took the lead in the 19th minute when captain Scott Taggart struck from the penalty spot after Calum Anderson was brought down.

Callum Burnside saw a volley ruled out for offside six minutes before the break, but they had done enough for a first-leg win as Airdrie’s Robbie Mahon saw a stoppage-time free-kick pushed over the bar by Liam McFarlane.

Reece Lyon struck a stoppage-time equaliser for Queen of the South as they drew 1-1 at home to Stenhousemuir.

Stenny captain Gregor Buchanan struck late in the first half after the hosts failed to clear their lines.

The Doonhamers saw Jack Stott’s powerful shot pushed over the crossbar by Darren Jamieson just before the hour, but Lyon’s left-footed strike found the net at the death.

Hamilton’s hopes of retaining their League One place were boosted as they won their semi-final first leg 3-1 away to Forfar.

Kyle MacDonald opened the scoring just before the break and a second-half brace from Oli Shaw put Hamilton in control.

But there was late drama as Shaw was denied a hat-trick by the upright before Scott Shepherd’s stoppage-time overhead kick reduced the deficit.

Clyde will fancy their chances of facing Hamilton in the final after beating Spartans 2-0.

Kyle Connell opened the scoring in the 24th minute when he spotted Blair Carswell off his line and beat him with a shot from distance.

Connell then turned provider in the second half as his long throw was headed goalwards by Logan Dunachie, and Carswell did not cover himself in glory as it crept over the line.