Airdrie's under-17s were able to make it a perfect weekend all round for the Diamonds, as they managed to hold out for a 2-1 victory over Kelty Hearts at the Albert Bartlett Stadium.

Guy Bainbridge captained an unchanged home side, and Marcus Wallace returned to the bench as Scott Craig's side looked to continue their impressive run of five games undefeated.

The Maroon Machine got the action underway, and they posed an early threat - David Ruddy with some composed last ditch defending to expertly dispossess a Kelty forward running through on goal with a well timed slide tackle.


Airdrie looked to take an early lead when a cross to the back post found an unmarked Stephen McKay, but his half-volley attempt deflected behind for a corner.

Against the run of play, it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Kelty broke with a quick transition, catching Airdrie off-guard - and Kelty forward Kai Hughes stormed through to slot past Lewis Lindsay.

Hughes looked to score a quickfire double, as he was played though once again – however, this time his shot sailed over the bar.

Stephen McKay was inches away from levelling the two sides just ahead of the half-hour mark, embarking on a mazy run before somehow finding space to unleash a curling effort which skimmed the post, denying him what would've been a goal-of-the-season contender.

The Diamonds began to pile pressure on Kelty in the attacking third, proving successful when Bainbridge nipped in front of a visiting defender to win possession. The ball found its way to Sam Gallagher, who slid through to Darryl McMutrie - and he slotted home to level the match on 31 minutes.

The away side almost regained their advantage before the end of the half, when a cross played into the box looked to be heading towards the back post before Lindsay got a crucial fingertip to poke the ball away from danger.

It was a tense start to the second half, and chances were few and far between for both sides. In the 57th minute Airdrie looked to the bench to make a difference as Kyzer Fealy, Jack MacMillan and Gallagher made way for Jason Boughey, Kaleb Donnachie and Valentino Taouss.

Eventually, it was the hosts who earned a vital opportunity to go ahead. Bainbridge with excellent footwork to receive the ball before taking it round the keeper, earning a spot kick as he was tripped. The skipper stepped up to slam past the 'keeper for his 17th goal of the season, giving Airdrie the lead. Cole Lyon replaced Aaron McDonald following the goal.

Donnachie almost grabbed Airdrie a third with two minutes to go, but he could only execute a fresh air swipe after Bainbridge had cut the ball into the box.

The game turned fiery as the visitors chased an equaliser, with Bainbridge cautioned for a late challenge before Boughey was brought down inside Kelty's half. The Diamonds' substitute midfielder had to be helped off the park following the challenge.

The Diamonds managed to hold on, earning all three points against the Fife side to make it five wins in six. They face a tougher test on Friday with a trip along the M8 to face Livingston.