Airdrieonians extended their unbeaten run to seven games and dented Stenny's League One promotion play-off push.

Goals from Scott Stewart and Craig Barr were enough for the in-form Diamonds at Ochilview on Saturday with the hosts replying through Sean Dickson.

The Diamonds made four changes to the team which started the 2-1 win over East Fife last weekend - a result which clinched League One safety.

Skipper for the day Paddy Boyle, Stewart, Nathan Blockley and Nicky Cadden replaced the quartet of Chris O'Neil, Gregor Buchanan, Darren McCormack and Jim Lister.

Airdrie took just a minute to carve out the first real chance of the day with Keigan Parker curling an effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

Gary Bollan's men, playing with freedom, were busier middle to front and opened the scoring thanks to a lovely move in the 28th minute.

Blockley's excellent run drove Airdrie forward with his ball laid off by Parker for Stewart to score the first goal of his professional career.

The Warriors began to pose a threat and, in the 34th minute, a left-foot drive from Bryan Hodge was well saved by keeper Grant Adam.

Hodge came even closer as half-time approached when his hooked shot, from a Sean Higgins corner which was nodded down by Stewart Greacen, struck the woodwork.

Airdrie nearly made it 2-0 moments before the break but young Cadden's shot was held by Stenny custodian Chris Smith at his near post.

However, the Diamonds wouldn't be denied as they doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute when Barr headed home Caolan McAleer's corner.

Scott Booth's side pulled a goal back almost immediately when Dickson smashed a loose ball in the box past Adam.

The Warriors were desperate for a leveller with John Gemmell nodding wide a Darren Smith cross and keeper Smith, who came up for a corner in the last minute, off target with a header from a Higgins corner.

But the Diamonds held on for an excellent three points. It's now only one defeat in 15 games for Airdrie who wrap up the league season at home to relegation-threatened Arbroath next Saturday.

Colin Paterson at Ochilview Park.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.