Euan Henderson and Akil Wright traded doubles as Airdrie came from 2-0 down to earn a creditable opening day point against title favourites Ross County.

The Dingwall side made the Albert Bartlett Stadium their first port of call following May’s relegation from the Premiership, but it provided familiar signings for a number of their squad, with ex-Diamonds Gary Mackay-Steven and Ross Docherty in the starting line-up and Arron Lyall among the substitutes.

Airdrie welcomed July player of the month Rhys Armstrong back from suspension, with Liam McStravick dropping to the bench for the Diamonds.

As the sides sized each other up in the early stages, the first chance fell to Airdrie. Alex King showed good determination to win possession on seven minutes, feeding Lewis McGrattan who saw a slight touch from a defender take his cross out of Chris Mochrie’s path.

Unfortunately for Airdrie’s makeshift left-back, his afternoon was to end only four minutes later, a bad landing forcing his early withdrawal. Dylan MacDonald moved to left-back with Craig Ross on to replace King.

After a 12th-minute Docherty effort had spun well wide, the visitors did take the lead on 19 minutes, Akil Wright racing across goal to meet a corner kick and send home a powerful header which Cade Melrose could only palm into the roof of the net.

Airdrie reacted well, with Henderson’s pace and power causing problems down the left, and Melrose was out sharply as a long ball almost sent Jamie Lindsay in on goal.

Diamonds captain Aidan Wilson was next to threaten, sending a venomous 30-yard strike just over the bar midway through the half.

Ross County’s main threat was coming from the flanks, and Melrose did well to claim a 27th-minute Docherty cross before MacDonald rose highest to clear a dangerous corner three minutes later.

Staggies striker Ronan Hale saw an improvised effort held by Melrose ten minutes before the break, and three minutes later Jamie Barjonas went for the near post from close-in, but sent the strike wide.

An old-fashioned stramash in the County box was halted by an offside flag on 43 minutes, and a late efforts by Jay Henderson went over the top.

The Diamonds were down but not out after an even first half, but that looked less certain shortly after the restart.

As MacDonald chased a loose ball on 47 minutes, he was clearly brought down from behind only for referee Lloyd Wilson to award a free-kick to the visitors. The setpiece was cleared behind for a corner, and with Melrose turning the initial delivery round the post, the second dead ball yielded another goal – Wright again losing his marker to head home from close range.

Hale sent a decent curling effort just wide as the highlanders looked to press their advantage, and the striker was denied by Melrose again on 54 minutes.

The introduction of Liam McStravick on 55 minutes, along with a terrible challenge on Mochrie which met with no disciplinary action, sparked some life into the game, and Airdrie grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Henderson’s low pass saw Mochrie send a 57th-minute strike into the side netting, and MacDonald looped a header wide of the target on the hour-mark.

Airdrie wouldn’t be denied much longer though, and a sensational pass from Dean McMaster put Henderson in on goal. The former Hearts man still had work to do as he met the ball at a tight angle, but he slid home as Ross Laidlaw dived in vain.

The County keeper held a curling Mochrie effort on 63 minutes and dealt with MacDonald’s near-post cross nine minutes later.

The Diamonds were awarded a 73rd-minute free-kick on the edge of the box, and goalscorer Henderson claimed the ball. Seconds later the tie was levelled as the dead-ball flew over the wall and into the net.

Don Cowie’s side responded by sending in a number of crosses, but Melrose, Wilson and Sean McGinty dealt with the onslaught admirably.

Melrose raced out of his box to deal with a late counter-attack, and Hale sent a free-kick just wide in stoppage time.

Airdrie could have won it at the death, McGrattan volleying wide after a free-kick by Rhys McCabe had been nodded out, and Cammy Cooper just unable to stretch enough to get the finishing touch on Henderson’s deflected cross.

A good point to start the season, particularly from a losing position, and the Diamonds can now look forward to a trip to East End Park to face Dunfermline next weekend.