Stenhousemuir start Scottish Championship play-offs with a draw on the road.

Stenhousemuir’s Scottish Championship play-off campaign got underway with a 1-1 draw away to Queen of the South on Tuesday night.

The Ochilview Park part-timers, who finished the regular season in second spot just two points behind winners Inverness Caley Thistle, got off to a difficult start in Dumfries but they edged out a crucial lead over the Doonhamers in the semi-final tie before the break.

Skipper Gregor Buchanan was goalscorer for Stenhousemuir, netting just before half time to hand the visitors a one-goal lead despite the home side having most of the possession - and chances - during the opening 45 minutes. After the break, Gary Naysmith’s side had to dig deep with goalkeeper Darren Jamieson making a number of key stops, and it looked like they would be heading up the road with a win but they couldn’t hold on. Former Falkirk winger Kai Kennedy did well to set up an opportunity for Reece Lyon, who connected well with the ball and fired home in injury-time.

The Warriors now host Queen of the South this Saturday afternoon at Ochilview Park (3pm kick-off) in the second leg, and it they managed to progress to the final, they will play either Alloa Athletic of Airdrieonians over two legs for a spot in next season’s second tier. The highest-placed finishing club given home advantage for the second clash. Those matches would take place on Wednesday, May 13 and Saturday, May 16.