AIRDRIE made history in the William Hill Scottish Cup with this third round thrashing of Gala.

The Diamonds recorded their biggest-ever win since becoming United in 2002 with John Boyle and Jamie Stevenson both scoring hat-tricks.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made three changes for the visit of Gala with Paul Lovering, David Lilley and Sean Lynch replacing Craig Hill, Rhys Devlin and Graeme Owens.

Gala arrived at New Broomfield following wins over Hawick Royal Albert and Golspie Sutherland in the previous two rounds – scoring 13 goals in the process.

The East of Scotland League men worked hard and defended diligently for two-thirds of the first half before the floodgates opened.

Lovering opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Sean Lynch was brought down in the box by Bruce Hunter.

Hitman Boyle fired home the Diamonds' second goal before Stevenson cut through the Gala defence to slot past keeper Elliot Turnbull.

It was 4-0 when Stevenson's low drive flew through a ruck of players and into the net seconds after Turnbull had made a great save to deny Jamie Bain.

Airdrie notched up their fifth goal in 14 minutes when Phil Johnston's flick-on found Boyle who again made no mistake.

Stevenson volleyed home a stunning strike as one-way traffic resumed after the break. In the 59th minute, his cross was converted by on-loan winger Willie McLaren.

It was Boyle's turn to get a hat-trick when he bundled home to make it 8-0 before Lovering raised the roof with a fantastic strike from distance.

Poor Gala were desperate for the final whistle but there was plenty of time for more goals to be plundered by ruthless Airdrie.

In the 77th minute, Ryan Donnelly headed home his 16th goal in 18 games with substitute Derek Holmes prodding home a cross from debutant Danny Burns to make it 11-0.

This win surpassed Airdrie United's previous record victory of 7-0 over Dundee in March 2006 and puts them in the hat for Tuesday's fourth-round draw.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.