Charlie McArthur’s late goal keeps Airdrie off the bottom of the Championship

Charlie McArthur’s late volley kept Airdrie off the bottom of the William Hill Scottish Championship as they came from behind to beat Ayr 2-1 at home on a day when relegation rivals Ross County thrashed Greenock Morton.

Ayr led at the break after Leon King headed in from a 26th-minute corner and, as it stood, County’s big lead was going to send Airdrie down to 10th place.

But substitute Robbie Mahon scored with his first touch from a corner in the 68th minute, and with six minutes of the 90 remaining, Newcastle loanee McArthur struck a fine volley to win it.

That kept Airdrie in the relegation play-off place, one point above rock-bottom Ross County, who gave themselves plenty of encouragement with a 4-0 win over third-bottom Morton.

Akil Wright and Jordan White put the hosts 2-0 up inside 20 minutes before second-half goals from Noah Chilvers and Ryan Duncan secured a win that means the Staggies still have hope going into the final weekend of the season.

Dunfermline warmed up for the promotion play-offs with a 2-0 win at Queen’s Park.

Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen headed Athletic in front in the 26th minute, getting onto the end of Callumn Morrison’s cross to find the bottom corner.

And just 31 seconds into the second half the visitors got a clinching goal when Chris Kane flicked Matthew Todd’s cross into the net, while Josh Cooper saw a shot hit a post late on.

With one league game left, Dunfermline sit one point behind third-placed Arbroath, who were held to a goalless draw at home to second-placed Partick Thistle in a match of few clear chances.