Airdrie 3 Dumbarton 2: 10-man Diamonds strike late to keep title bid alive

Ten-man Airdrieonians kept their slim League One title hopes alive with a dramatic late win over struggling Dumbarton.

The Diamonds knew only a win would do to stop Cove Rangers claiming the title and they did just that after a dramatic end to the game at New Broomfield made it 18 games unbeaten for Ian Murray's men.

Two goals in three minutes from Dylan Easton and Calum Gallagher midway through the first-half appeared to have Airdrie cruising, but George Stanger pulled a goal back for Sons before Adam Frizzell was sent off for the hosts in an action-packed opening 45 minutes.

When Rhys McCabe turned the ball into his own net after 70 minutes Sons pulled level and that was set to hand Cove Rangers the title, but substitute Jordan Allan popped up in the 88th minute to win the game and ask another question of Paul Hartley's league leaders.

Cove, who are still five points clear, will be crowned champions next week if they beat Sons at Balmoral Stadium.

Dumbarton remain ninth and their relegation play-off spot is now confirmed after bottom side East Fife were relegated after defeat to Falkirk, while eight-place Peterhead's win over Queen's Park ensured Sons can't catch them.

Airdrie made two changes from last week’s frustrating 2-2 draw at Montrose. Josh Kerr and Scott Walker come into the side, as player/coach Scott Agnew dropped out along with Gabby McGill.

Dumbarton named the same side that drew with Peterhead last week, but there were a number of familiar faces in the Sons side with ex-Diamonds Gregor Buchanan, Paddy Boyle, Eoghan Stokes and Paul Paton all in the squad.

Airdrie got the first sight at goal in the third minute, crafting a fantastic opening when Rhys McCabe's ball through cut right through the Sons defence