RYAN Donnelly was back on the scoresheet with his first goals in eight games.

The win moves Airdrie closer to the playoffs, sitting equal on points with next week's opponents Stenhousemuir.

With Paul Lovering suspended, Rickie Lamie filled in at left back while John Boyle dropped to the bench to make way for Derek Holmes up front.

Airdrie had their chances early on with Stallard jinking through the Binos defence but his shot was saved by Calum Reidford.

Similarly Stirling's Alan Cook went on a mazy run but his shot was also saved by Grant Adam.

After 21 minutes the visitors finally got their breakthrough. Stallard passed to Donnelly who took the ball round the keeper to hit his first goal since Stirling's visit to Airdrie on the 28th of January.

Donnelly nearly turned provider for Jamie Bain but his shot went high and wide.

Airdrie's lead doubled when Sean Lynch crossed the ball to Donnelly who hit home from close range for his 27th goal in 36 games.

Cammy McDonald, who scored against Albion Rovers a few weeks ago, nearly added a third but his shot from far out hit the post.

In the second half both keepers were tested but neither of them looked like crumbling.

Stirling's Darren Smith had a shot blocked by Adam.

Donnelly could have had a hat trick when he was one on one with Reidford but he hit the ball straight at him.

Substitute Jamie Stevenson also saw his free kick saved late on.

The win means Airdrie are undefeated in March 2012 with a draw and four clean sheet victories hauling them level on points with Stenhousemuir.

Albion Rovers win against Cowdenbeath keeps Stirling Albion at the foot of the table by four points with just five games left of the season.

Douglas Barrie at Forthbank.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.