Airdrie slumped to the bottom of the Irn-Bru First Division table on Saturday after defeat at Westfield.

The Diamonds were simply not good enough despite a late rally as Falkirk claimed victory with striker Lyle Taylor netting a double during another impressive display.

Boss Jimmy Boyle made one change to the team defeated narrowly by Dumbarton with Nathan Blockley replacing Liam Watt in central midfield.

Airdrie were looking for their first win over Falkirk since forming as United in 2002 and came close in the fourth minute when keeper Michael McGovern blocked Ross Davidson's shot.

But that was as encouraging as it got for the Diamonds who fell behind five minutes later when Taylor sprung the offside trap to convert Blair Alston's pass.

John Boyle and Davidson had good chances for Airdrie before the Bairns doubled their advantage in the 24th minute thanks to Stewart Murdoch's sweet strike.

In the 35th minute, it was 3-0. Alston whipped a high ball into the area which Kenny Arthur couldn't claim, Taylor headed against the bar but tapped in the rebound.

Falkirk had the ball in the net for a fourth time six minutes later following an excellent passing move finished by Alston but linesman Willie Ferguson flagged for offside.

Paul Di Giacomo came off the bench for Ryan Donnelly at the break and he pulled a goal back in the 57th minute from the penalty spot.

Bairns defender Darren Dods was ruled by referee Des Roache to have unfairly challenged Gregor Buchanan in the box with Di Giacomo subsequently making no mistake.

And it could have been 3-2 in the 72nd minute. Willie McLaren delivered a nice ball into the path of the unmarked Blockley but he fired straight at McGovern. It was a golden opportunity.

As fate would have it, Falkirk restored their three-goal cushion a minute later when Jay Fulton's corner was powerfully headed home at the back post by Dods.

But a bizarre finish would take place after the Diamonds struck twice in the space of two minutes to raise hopes of the most unlikely comeback.

McLaren curled in a delightful free-kick from 27 yards before John Boyle blasted home after a poor clearance by Kieran Duffie. Airdrie had a further two minutes to save the game but it was too late.

Colin Paterson at The Falkirk Stadium.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.