AIRDRIE went into the international break on a losing note as Cowdenbeath cruised to victory on Saturday.

Goals from Kyle Miller, Lewis Coult and Marc McKenzie sank the Diamonds at New Broomfield. The home side also had Marc Warren sent-off for a headbutt.

Airdrie were forced to make two changes to the side which suffered a late 2-1 defeat at home to Dunfermline Athletic last weekend.

David Lilley and Cameron MacDonald were both ill so Kieron Stallard and Gregor Buchanan formed a makeshift centre-back partnership.

There was a familiar face in the Cowdenbeath starting line-up with ex-Diamond Jamie Stevenson returning to New Broomfield.

He was part of a Blue Brazil team that, like Airdrie, had won two of their opening three league matches this term.

Cowdenbeath opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Miller headed home a free-kick into the area from Scott Linton.

The visitors should have made it 2-0 but McKenzie had his penalty saved by Kenny Arthur who then blocked the rebound after Stallard tugged back Greg Stewart.

Warren forced Blue Brazil keeper Thomas Flynn into a brilliant save early in the second half before Arthur made another fine save at the other end.

Referee George Salmond had no choice but to send Warren packing midway through the second half for a headbutt on McKenzie after the duo squared up following a tangle.

Cowdenbeath took full advantage and doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Coult struck. Arthur blocked his first effort but the ball rebounded off the striker and into the net.
Victory was sealed seven minutes later. Substitute Lewis Milne had his shot turned away by Arthur but McKenzie fired home from close-range.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.