Airdrieonians remain rooted to the bottom of the SPFL League One table after defeat in a bizarre game against Dunfermline Athletic.

Goals from Shaun Byrne, Allan Smith and substitute Craig Dargo earned the Pars all three points at New Broomfield on Saturday from a match which saw four different keepers used.

The Diamonds made two changes to the side which lost 2-0 to Rangers at Ibrox.

Former Motherwell midfielder Jamie Pollock started as a trialist with under-19s player Nicky Cadden handed his debut. Nathan Blockley and David Sinclair dropped to the bench.

Dunfermline enjoyed a good spell of pressure in the 12th minute and came close when ex-Diamond Ryan Wallace fired wide a low shot.

It was no surprise to see the Pars take the lead five minutes later. Ross Millen fed Byrne in the area and he was given time and space to find the corner of the net.

The visitors could, and should, have gone 2-0 up in the 36th minute. Jordan Moore sprinted clear of a static defence but sent his final effort past keeper Andrew Duncan's left-hand post.

Airdrie's best chance of a poor first half arrived six minutes later with substitute Mick O'Byrne nodding wide a free-kick from Pollock.

The Pars had to change keepers just after the interval. Ryan Scully was injured as he dived for the ball and subsequently replaced by Ryan Goodfellow.

And Airdrie were forced to send for their back-up custodian, Jonny Grier, on the hour mark when Duncan was red-carded by referee Andrew Dallas.

The 20-year-old brought down Byrne in the box as he latched onto a lovely ball from Moore with a penalty also awarded.

It was a huge moment for Grier but his first touch was the stuff dreams are made of for young keepers as he dived to his left-hand side and saved Moore's effort from 12 yards.

However, Dunfermline doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Callum Morris played a high ball in behind a static defence with Smith delivering a cool finish.

And the Pars wrapped it up in style in the second minute of injury time when experienced forward Dargo slotted home.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Craig Halkett. Click to view full size.