Normal service was resumed when leaders Queen of the South, who lost their unbeaten record in midweek, defeated Brechin City 1-0 at Palmerston Park.

Danny Carmichael chose the perfect time to score for the first time this season, converting Nicky Clark's pass for the only goal of the game midway through the first half.

As a bonus for Queens, their midweek conquerors Alloa Athletic slipped to an unexpected 3-2 defeat at Stranraer.

The home side took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Mick Dunlop headed home from Chris Aitken's cross and Craig Malcolm doubled their advantage after 56 minutes.

Graeme Holmes pulled one back but Robert Love made it 3-1 before Robert Thomson added a second for Alloa.

East Fife came back from two goals down to beat Ayr United 3-2 at Somerset Park. The visitors' David White scored an early own goal to give Ayr the lead, but came up with the winner late in the game.

Kyle McAusland made it 2-0 to Ayr after 17 minutes but Billy Brown's half-time talk worked wonders for East Fife with Scott McBride scoring twice in a 10-minute spell, with his second coming from the penalty spot, to restore parity.

A last-minute Derek Holmes goal earned Arbroath a 1-1 draw with Forfar Athletic at Station Park. Dale Hilson had put the home side ahead after 74 minutes.

Stenhousemuir edged out Albion Rovers 1-0 at Ochilview in a match in which both teams finished with 10 men. Darren Smith scored the only goal. The hosts had Kevin McKinlay sent off 10 minutes from time and Rovers' Simon Marriott followed in injury-time.