Jim Lister's seventh strike of the season and a debut goal from Bryan Gilfillan ensured the Diamonds left East End Park with a good point.

Airdrie were looking to bounce back from the defeat by Peterhead but further changes were made to the starting line up with Chris O’Neil and Marc Fitzpatrick replaced by Scott Stewart and new Bryan Gilfillan.

There was a real confidence about Airdrie’s early play and they deservedly took the lead n 10 minutes after good play between Docherty and Bain enabled the full back to go clear wide on the right before sending over a dangerous cross into the box and Lister showed great control - even after he had fallen to the ground - as he swung his boot to force the ball into the net, with Scully only able to help it on the way to open the scoring.

4 minutes later a great run by Dunfermline’s McAusland from halfway to inside the penalty area ended with a mishit shot that McNeil was able collect easily.

Airdrie were passing the ball well around the midfield in the opening half hour though almost allowed Smith to race into the box until a timely challenge by Everton-Richards allowed the ball to run back to McNeil.

Byrne weaved his way into the penalty area in 31 minutes then fired a low shot to McNeil’s left side but the keeper saved well

At the other a long ball saw Prunty hold off his marker but his shot was blocked by Scully and cleared upfield.

Lister headed a Docherty cross wide of the target a minute later.

In 34 minutes with Smith in possession inside the box and little danger evident, Stewart was adjudged to have fouled him after the Dunfermline striker went to ground. Millen netted the spot kick to level the score

7 minutes from the interval an excellent ball into the box picked out Prunty and his powerful volley sent the ball high over the goal.

Fraser was replaced by Watt 7 minutes after the restart and it was the substitute who provided an assist as Airdrie took the lead in 56 minutes.

Lister had won a corner on the right and Watt’s delivery saw new boy Gilfillan attack the ball and powerfully send it low into the back of the net.

Watt went close a minute later following up a rebound which he curled wide of goal after his first attempt a header from Lister’s cross had been blocked.

And Lister sent an 18 yard effort over the top a minute later.

With 65 minutes played Blockley’s cross from the right saw Prunty’s attempt lack the power to find the net.

With quarter of an hour remaining Dunfermline levelled the scoreline again.

Good play down the right saw them progress and after Richard-Everton fouled Wallace, play continued with the ball finding Moffat, who made his way into the box then sent a curling shot past McNeil low to his right.

McNeil made a wonderful save from a Wallace volley with 5 minutes remaining.

The match saw 5 minutes stoppage time added in which John Boyle had a driven shot from the 18 yard line blocked then cleared while Martin went close for the home side.

Although the draw was a fair result it saw Airdrie fall further behind the sides above them.