Goals from Willie McLaren and Nathan Blockley earned Airdrieonians victory on a day of celebration for the club.

The Diamonds advanced to the second round of the Ramsdens Challenge Cup after the midfield duo wiped out Louis Longridge's opener for Accies.

Many home fans turned out at New Broomfield on Saturday wearing old 'Onians shirts as one of Scottish Football's most famous names returned to the senior game.

This was Airdrie's first match as 'Onians since May 2002 after the club decided and subsequently received permission to change its name earlier this summer.

Six of the Diamonds' seven close-season signings were put into the starting line-up with experienced midfielder Martin Hardie on the bench.

Both teams had early chances. Lee Kilday headed over an Ali Crawford corner before David Sinclair fired wide for the Diamonds.

The opening goal arrived in the 17th minute. A Longridge shot was blocked by Chris O'Neil but the ball spun wickedly into the bottom corner of the net.

Accies ace James Keatings had an effort pushed onto the bar a minute later but the 'Onians rallied and equalised in the 24th minute.

Former Livingston and Ayr United midfielder Sinclair whipped in a terrific free-kick delivery which was expertly controlled and turned home by McLaren.

In the 59th minute, Airdrie bagged the winner when Blockley took advantage of sloppy marking by Crawford and powered home a diving header from Jamie Bain's long throw into the box.

Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.

Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.