AIRDRIE were unable to capitalise on an early lead as Stirling Albion clinched a point.

John Boyle put the Diamonds in front at New Broomfield on Saturday but Scott Davidson equalised before the break.

Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle kept faith with the same starting line-up and substitutes that featured in the 2-0 League Cup defeat to Dundee United in midweek.

And his side didn't waste any time before breaking the deadlock with Boyle smashing home Jamie Stevenson's mis-hit shot.

The Diamonds enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with Ryan Donnelly's low shot from a Fraser Keast cross blocked by Sam Filler.

Stirling had claims for a penalty turned down in the 16th minute when keeper Paul McKane collided with Davidson in the area.

However, referee Des Roache noticed that McKane appeared to get a touch to the ball before challenging the striker.

The Binos levelled in the 37th minute, though. Shaun Fagan's pass found Lewis Bonar who burst past Chris Malone and set-up Davidson who netted.

The pair combined two minutes later when Davidson played in Bonar but the midfielder chipped a shot inches past the post.

Ryan Donnelly fired a volley into the ground and over the bar after getting on the end of a pinpoint Phil Johnston cross in the 52nd minute.

There was drama in the 63rd minute when poor defending from Airdrie led to Darren Smith crossing for Bonar who side-footed a shot goalwards.

Stirling's players celebrated, thinking it had crossed the line, but McKane used his right hand to clear with Mr Roache not convinced that the whole ball had gone over.
In the 72nd minute, Stevenson was denied by the width of the post as the Diamonds searched for a winner.

But the home side had McKane to thank when he preserved a share of the spoils with a fantastic reaction save to deny Smith from Alan Cook's centre.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.