Chris Mochrie’s fourth goal in three games handed Airdrie a point on the road against Raith Rovers, but the Diamonds will feel some debatable decisions could have prevented them taking all three.

Ricco Diack returned to the line-up after sitting out last weekend’s win over Partick Thistle, player-manager Rhys McCabe the man to make way.

The Diamonds started sharply in the Kirkcaldy sunshine, a good Paul Hanlon block required as Lewis McGrattan crossed after two minutes, the ex-Hibs defender also dealing with a Hancock ball from the opposite flank four minutes later.

Former Diamond Josh Rae was out quickly to beat Mochrie to an eighth-minute Diack pass, and the keeper was at the centre of the first controversial moment on 15 minutes. After chesting down Adam Frizzell’s ball over the top, McGrattan held off Lewis Stevenson and rounded Rae only to be tripped by the keeper. Referee Ryan Lee decided it was neither a foul or a dive, and awarded a goal kick.

Perhaps buoyed by a lucky escape, Raith hit back through Dylan Easton, but Dylan MacDonald defended well as the ex-Airdrie midfielder attacked a cross from the right.

The Diamonds got the lead they deserved on 19 minutes, Liam McStravick slipping in Diack after MacDonald had won possession. Although the striker’s first touch was blocked, the ball fell to Mochrie who made no mistake with an accurate near-post finish.

Airdrie continued to press, Hanlon and Rae dealing with promising balls from McStravick and Hancock, and Cade Melrose combined with McGrattan to clear the threat at the other end.

Callum Fordyce went close with a 26th-minute header, and MacDonald and Frizzell were on their toes to defend an attack on the half-hour mark as the home side began to gain control in their final third.

Ross Matthews got an outstretched boot to the ball after some defensive hesitancy from Airdrie, but could only stab wide.

MacDonald and Melrose continued to keep Raith at bay, with Alex Bannon foiling Jordan Doherty’s thrusting run with an excellent tackle on 38 minutes, Easton curling wide as the loose ball was kept alive.

With four minutes of the half remaining Barry Robson’s side got their equaliser, Bannon dispossessed by Lewis Vaughan before Josh Mullin swung in an inch-perfect cross for Gullan to head home from five yards.

Fordyce was on hand to clear as Bannon joined the Airdrie attack in stoppage time, and the half-time whistle went with the sides tied.

Raith started the second 45 with attacking intent, Easton firing just wide despite claims for offside against Vaughan in the build-up.

Half-time sub Lewis McGregor almost grabbed a goal on his 21st birthday, but his touch on Mochrie’s 49th-minute cross wasn’t enough to beat Rae.

McStravick danced up the left wing on 52 minutes, feeding Mochrie to pull back for Diack whose deflected effort whistled past the post.

Following a stramash from the resultant corner Hancock bundled the ball over the line, but the referee had blown for a foul with replays showing no offence had been committed.

Hancock went close again three minutes later, Rae parrying the defender’s strike with Doherty reacting quickly to avert the danger.

A period of dominance for the home side followed, MacDonald blocking well from Gullan before Fordyce sent a trademark bullet header against the crossbar.

Stevenson fired wide after more good work from Easton, and Gullan sent a 63rd-minute free-kick over the bar.

As the game began to open up McStravick’s cross went unchallenged before Hanlon stood strong as Diack attacked the box.

Raith sub Lewis Gibson saw a 72nd-minute effort comfortably held by Melrose, and it was Airdrie’s turn to hit woodwork seven minutes later, substitute Gavin Gallagher working space for a shot and curling in a fine effort which was millimetres too high.

Melrose denied Easton at the near post with ten minutes remaining, and Frizzell charged down an 82nd-minute Aidan Connolly effort.

Gullan and Frizzell exchanged late shots, but the chance of the match fell to Scott Brown who had the goal at his mercy with four minutes remaining following a Melrose parry, but the Rovers captain somehow sent his close-range effort wide of the target.

Connolly volleyed over in the final minute, and four minutes of stoppage time passed without incident to leave the sides with a point apiece.

Results elsewhere mean that Airdrie are again five points off ninth place, but with Hamilton hosting Queen’s Park next Saturday, another chance to lessen the gap is only a week away.