DEFENDER Cameron MacDonald was Airdrie's derby-day hero at Cliftonhill.

A first-half goal from the former Livingston man earned his side a vital victory – and Monklands bragging rights – on Saturday.

Airdrie made one change to the team which drew 1-1 at home to Cowdenbeath with Jamie Stevenson replacing the suspended Ryan Donnelly.

There were four changes to the home side's starting line-up. Tony Stevenson, Scott Chaplain, Jordan Halsman and Robert Love came in for Ryan McStay, Danny Ferry, Chris Boyle and Daniel McKay.

Airdrie had a chance to open the scoring in the 13th minute but Halsman cleared John Boyle's shot off the line.

Ten minutes later, Derek Holmes was clean through on goal after a slip by Mick O'Byrne but his shot was blocked by keeper Derek Gaston.

Rovers were denied by the woodwork in the 25th minute. Love hit the post after John Gemmell nodded down Halsman's free-kick.

But it was a set-piece which led to the opening goal. Paul Lovering's free-kick was flicked on by Holmes for MacDonald who looped an effort over Gaston.

Both teams made their full quota of substitutions during a second half which saw little in the way of goalmouth action.

Rovers' only chance to equalise fell to McKay in the second minute of injury-time but his free-kick attempt sailed over the bar.

Colin Paterson at Cliftonhill.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.