The Diamonds hit the ground running in their first official pre-season fixture, knocking four past Highland hosts Nairn County in a whirlwind first half.

Gary Bollan's men returned to Station Park following a 2-0 victory there prior to last season, and they were in more ruthless mood this time round.

County made their intentions clear in the early stages, Conor Gethins firing over in the opening minutes before Airdrie goalkeeper Neil Parry did well to gather John Cameron's 25-yard lob.

The visitors proved more clinical, taking the lead after 7 minutes in their first serious attack.

New recruit David Cox saw his effort parried by Nairn keeper Calum Antell, but was alert to the return ball and gave the former Hibs man no chance with the volleyed finish.

Jordan Morton doubled the Diamonds' lead on 11 minutes, perfectly timing a run behind the County defence to smash home a left-footed drive.

Airdrie showed no sign of taking their foot off the gas, and another new signing was on the scoresheet seven minutes later.

A quick corner found Alan Lithgow on the six-yard line, and his powerful header met the back of the net.

The Diamonds' fourth and final goal came two minutes before the break, and it was a tale of two chips.

David van Zanten's dink over the Nairn back line picked out Airdrie's trialist midfielder, who repeated the feat with a nice lob over Antell to make it four.

Les Fridge's County put up a more resilient performance after the break which, coupled with the usual raft of substitutions, meant the flow of play was far more restricted and there was no further scoring.

The Diamonds will return home delighted with a good workout, a positive scoreline and some scintillating attacking play.

Next up for Gary Bollan's squad is the Meldrum Cup at Glenafton's Loch Park in New Cumnock. The Diamonds kick off the tournament at 12:30pm on Saturday (18th) when they face Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. The victors will compete in Sunday's final against the winners of Glenafton vs Dalbeattie Star, which is played at 3:00pm on Saturday.

Stuart Mathie.

Photographs © Kenny Macleod. Click to view full-size.