An Andy Ryan double was not enough to earn the Diamonds anything from their home clash with Livingston.

Daniel Boateng came in to the side to make his Airdrieonians debut and he certainly made his mark on the match.

The home side started well, Iain Russell forcing the first corner of the match in the fifth minute after racing into the penalty box only to see his effort blocked.

Two minutes later Liam Buchanan's volley was on target from Mikey Miller's cross, but Rohan Ferguson plucked the ball from the air.

Livingston took the lead on 13 minutes after a ball through the centre of the Airdrie defence saw Scott Pittman race into the box. Although Ferguson parried the ball away, Danny Mullen was alert to follow in and send the ball into the net.

Despite going a goal behind Kevin McBride’s side were staying in the match without providing any great threat to the opposition.

They conceded a second eight minutes from the break courtesy of a goal involving three former Diamonds. Alan Lithgow’s long throw was flicked on by the head of Sean Crighton and Liam Buchanan was at the back post to put the ball into the net.

Airdrie showed their intent early in the second half, and Andy Ryan pulled one back on 53 minutes.

Holding off Craig Halkett's challenge, Ryan powered into the penalty box before firing ball Liam Kelly to reduce the deficit.

Livingston went close to scoring a third two minutes later with keeper Ferguson reacting to touch Pittman's netbound header against the crossbar.

However poor defensive play by the Diamonds down the left flank allowed Miller to make headway into the box and his cross was deflected past Ferguson with 58 minutes on the clock, the strike credited as an own goal by debutant Boateng.

Airdrie showed a good reaction scoring again in 65 minutes. Adam Brown's free kick was headed on by Boateng who had joined his front players on the edge of the box, and Ryan showed great control again before firing an angled shot low into the net to make it 2-3.

A fine run down the right by Scott Stewart was followed by an excellent cross in 72 minutes but the ball fizzed past Ryan as he arrived at the front post in search of both an equaliser and a hat-trick.

The striker went close again in stoppage time after Russell was able to send the ball over from the right, but was unable to get sufficient power on his effort.

As Airdrie pushed forward with the final whistle approaching, Danny Mullen broke away to set up Josh Mullin. The substitute side-footed the ball into the net for a fourth goal to ensure all three points.