Montrose showed that they're not in League One to make up the numbers with a dogged display to earn the points at Penny Cars Stadium.

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The Diamonds kicked off the match against last season’s League Two winners with the same starting line up which gained an opening-day victory at Station Park.

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It had been over 30 years since Montrose last visited Airdrie on league business, and Stewart Petrie's were able to provide more of a threat around the opposition goal than Airdrie were able to muster.

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A sixth minute cross by Dale Carrick after the striker had shown good control saw the ball cleared away by Iain Campbell, bringing some hope that more attacking flair would follow.

 

It was though Scott Gallacher who was the first keeper called into action on ten minutes though, diving low to take Euan Henderson’s snapshot from 20 yards.

 

Montrose skipper Paul Watson was perhaps lucky not to see red for his two footed challenge on Kyle Wilkie two minutes later.

 

With 18 minutes gone Henderson also sent in a near post effort from the right which Gallacher turned away for a corner.

 

Midway through the first half Scott Robertson’s long range ball in for Carrick saw him turn smartly inside the box then go down under Iain Campbell’s challenge with the penalty shout waved away.

 

Wilkie’s run and cut back on 24 minutes almost saw Airdrie grab an unlikely lead after Watson sliced the ball just wide of his own goal.

 

A couple of shooting opportunities seven minutes from the break saw Ross Campbell curl a free-kick inches wide while Watson sent a 20-yard drive wide left of the Airdrie goal, ensuring a goalless first half.  

 

After Gallacher had made an excellent save from Jamie Redman's 25-yard volley four minutes after the restart, the home defence switched off from the resultant corner. 

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The corner was too strong and beyond the back post. With his back to goal, Sean Dillon reacted to send the ball over his shoulder and Ross Campbell got in front of the defensive challenge to head into the net.

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Airdrie made changes with the introduction of Joao Victoria and Leighton McIntosh in a bid to get back on terms.

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Some decent pressure followed, however a third enforced change was required not long after, when David Hutton had to come on for Scott Gallacher who left the field on a stretcher following a collision with Henderson.

 

Airdrie were finding themselves crowded out as they tried to get in behind the Montrose rearguard with the Gable Endies going close to adding a second goal when substitute keeper Hutton pulled off a superb save from substitute Liam Callaghan’s 25-yard shot six minutes from time. 

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Four minutes into the extended injury time Sean Crighton’s cross into the penalty area was headed back across goal by McIntosh but Darryl Duffy could not make good contact in front of goal.

 

Ryan Conroy was unable to hit the target in the final minute after Duffy had knocked the ball in his direction. 

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A disappointing display and result in the end for the home side, who now face an Irn Bru Cup trip to Berwick for an early chance to pick themselves up.