AIRDRIE got their promotion play-offs bid back on track with an easy win over Stirling Albion on Saturday.

The Diamonds scored two goals in each half at New Broomfield to end a run of three successive defeats.

Manager Jimmy Boyle gave on-loan Rangers keeper Grant Adam his debut with David Lilley stepping in for the suspended Kieron Stallard.

Cameron MacDonald featured as a trialist for the Diamonds with his two-game ban for last weekend's red card at home to Dumbarton not kicking in until he registers with his next club.

The home side's nerves were settled with a wonderful early goal in the third minute from striker John Boyle.

He cut inside and fired a terrific left-foot shot into the top corner of the net to make it eight for the season following his summer move from Auchinleck Talbot.

The visitors came close when Josh Flood and Scott Davidson linked to set-up Lewis Bonar but his final shot whizzed just past the post.

Airdrie doubled their lead in the 17th minute. Willie McLaren's free-kick was right on the money for captain Paul Lovering to head home.

In the 33rd minute, Adam failed to make contact with a Craig McLeish corner and breathed a huge sigh of relief when Gary Thom arrived to nod wide.

The Diamonds enjoyed the better of the chances as half-time approached. Sean Lynch fired an effort off-target before Callum Reidford pushed away a McLaren free-kick.

Stirling were a threat in the final third of the pitch and Josh Flood tested Adam with a shot early in the second half after Airdrie lost possession in midfield.

But Airdrie sealed the points in the 73rd minute when Ryan Donnelly squared for the unmarked McLaren who was left with an easy tap-in.

Boss Boyle gave a late run-out to young striker Scott Sally who got on the scoresheet six minutes later with a close-range finish.

Mark Ferry drilled home a consolation before Brian Allison saw red for a second bookable offence.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.