IT was a day to forget for Airdrie who were given a lesson in finishing by clinical Cowdenbeath.

Five goals in 40 minutes took the Blue Brazil to the top of the table at New Broomfield.

Airdrie had taken an early lead through Ryan Donnelly but Colin Cameron's men fought back in sensational fashion to take all three points.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made one change to the starting XI beaten at East Fife last Saturday with midfielder Sean Lynch handed his debut in place of winger Fraser Keast.

And the Diamonds must have thought that it was going to be their day when Donnelly fired home his fourth goal of the season in the sixth minute.

It could have been 2-0 soon after. Cowdenbeath keeper Youssef Bejaoui denied Donnelly at his near post before David Lilley headed wide a Jamie Stevenson corner.

But things started to go wrong in the 38th minute when Jon Robertson nodded home a fine corner-kick delivery from Scott Linton.

On the stroke of half-time, it was 2-1 to the visitors. Nice movement and passing involving Dean Brett and Marc McKenzie led to Linton receiving possession and the midfielder went on to beat keeper Paul McKane with a low drive.

A third goal arrived six minutes after the restart when Lewis Coult struck after McKane had parried a Linton shot after Jamie Stevenson gave the ball away cheaply.

Cowdenbeath made it 4-1 midway through the second half. Kieron Stallard was caught out by Coult who fed the unmarked Linton and he bagged his second goal of the day.

Cameron's men went nap in the 78th minute. Substitute Greg Stewart was the provider for Jordan Morton with his cool finish ensuring his place on the scoresheet.

This was Cowdenbeath's first win over Airdrie since the forming of United nine years ago. As for the Diamonds, they have an immediate opportunity to get this game out of their systems when Raith Rovers visit on League Cup duty on Tuesday night.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.