AIRDRIE turned on the style to reach the second round of the League Cup at the expense of nine-man Stirling.

Braces from midfielder Graeme Owens and striker Ryan Donnelly sank the Binos at New Broomfield on Saturday. Jamie Bain netted a fifth goal late-on.

The result ensured the Diamonds bounced back from last weekend's Ramsdens Cup defeat to Livingston which was, ironically, by the same scoreline.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made four changes to the side that lost heavily on the opening day of the season.

David Lilley made his debut at centre-back with Phil Johnston, Owens and Fraser Keast also in the starting line-up.

Paul Lovering, Nathan Blockley and John Boyle dropped to the bench. Ally Woodburn missed out because of injury.

Owens curled wide a free-kick in the 15th minute as Airdrie enjoyed the better of the early exchanges. Chris Malone also went close with a header.

The opening goal arrived in the 31st minute from the penalty spot. Owens was ready to pull the trigger in the box before he was fouled by Shaun Fagan.

Referee Gary Hilland sent the Binos midfielder packing for denying Airdrie a clear goalscoring opportunity with Owens converting once the dust settled.

The Diamonds doubled their advantage four minutes later when Donnelly gave keeper Sam Filler no chance with a clinical drive.

Airdrie keeper Paul McKane did well to deny Binos substitute Alan Cook in the 55th minute before Donnelly drove a shot over the bar at the other end.

The visitors were reduced to nine men with 15 minutes left after Filler brought down winger Johnston in the box.

Manager Jocky Scott had used all of his subtitutes by this point so Cook had to go between the sticks; he couldn't keep out Owens second penalty of the day.

Donnelly added a fourth goal when he side-footed home a Boyle corner.

And defender Bain got in on the action with two minutes remaining as he drove a long-range angled drive past the static Cook.

The draw for the second round of the League Cup will be made at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall on Tuesday at 1pm.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.