Airdrie collapsed at East Fife, going down by six goals to one despite taking a first-minute lead.

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Following last weekend's Scottish Cup exit, the Diamonds were on the end of another humbling defeat, being well beaten by former Albion Rovers boss Darren Young’s new charges.  

 

Airdrie forced an early corner with 30 seconds on the clock and Ryan Conroy’s delivery was backheeled into the net by Scott Stewart.

 

Conroy had a good chance to double the lead on seven minutes, but his 20-yard free kick went over the bar.

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The Diamonds advantage lasted until the 25th minute when Chris Duggan’s initial shot was saved by keeper Kelby Mason but Kyle Wilkie was on hand to net the rebound.

 

The home side went in front when Mark Docherty and Kevin Smith combined before finding Duggan. Mason reacted well to get a hand on the striker's effort, but the power on the shot saw it spin into the back of the net.

 

After taking the lead the Fifers were in control, with Airdrie unable to get close to their opposite numbers and offering little of threat to the home side's goal.

 

East Fife went close again and had a penalty claim turned down before they added their third goal on 39 minutes. Smith and Jordan Piggott combined before passing to Mark Lamont who was allowed to race to the edge of the box then drill a low 25 yard shot beyond Mason. 

 

Cammy Russell replaced Tom Fry after the restart but the home side scored goal number four six minutes into the second half. Duggan crossed the ball in behind the Airdrie back line and Wilkie finished the move off by burying the ball past Mason. 

 

Three minutes later Jake Hastie fired wide of goal in a rare Diamonds attack. 

 

East Fife netted for the fifth time in 58 minutes after a free kick into the box fell to Wilkie on the edge of the box and his blocked shot fell to Chris Kane to score.

 

Conroy chipped a 30-yard free kick as Airdrie chased the game, but home keeper Mark Hurst easily gathered.

 

Greg Hurst netted from close range ten minutes from time to end the scoring and give the Fife side their second win in two meetings this season, leaving the Diamonds just above next week's opponents Forfar Athletic.       

 

Referee: Mr Gavin Duncan

Attendance: 619