Two excellent finishes saw the points shared as Airdrie and Queen’s Park continue their search for a first league win of the season.

Interim Diamonds boss Aaron Taylor-Sinclair made one change to the starting line-up which lost to Dunfermline Athletic two weeks ago, Jamie Barjonas returning to replace Liam McStravick. There was a place on the bench for defender Lewis Strapp for the first time this season, alongside academy full-back Jack Smith.

Euan Henderson could have had his side in front after two minutes, Barjonas driving out of defence and feeding Chris Mochrie, but the Diamonds' top scorer was just unable to stretch enough to apply the killer touch to the return pass.

Seb Drozd saw a strike from outside the box charged down by Sean McGinty a minute later.

Barjonas was involved again on six minutes, linking well with Dylan MacDonald before setting up Henderson, whose shot was wayward.

Lewis McGrattan volleyed wide after an eighth-minute corner, and there was a bout of handbags two minutes later when Josh Fowler barged MacDonald, the Queen’s Park striker seeing yellow for his actions.

McGrattan sent a 12-minute effort over the top before Craig Ross atoned for his own mistake with an excellent block from Drozd.

Supporters were left scratching their heads when the visitors were awarded uncontested possession after one of their players had picked the ball up in play, but Aidan Connolly miscued his effort on goal.

Henderson’s 32nd-minute cross was just behind MacDonald, and Matty Connelly made a good save a minute later following a Spiders free-kick.

MacDonald, who had been on the receiving end of some rough treatment from the get-go, was unable to continue after a 40th-minute head knock, and Strapp replaced his fellow defender to make his first appearance since shoulder surgery.

The visitors ended the half strongly, but Connelly and Ross stood up to efforts from Roddy MacGregor and Fowler.

Seven minutes after the restart the Diamonds had the lead, and it was another brilliant free-kick from Henderson after McMaster had been tripped 25 yards out. The former Hearts man sent his powerful strike over the wall and into the top corner of Callum Ferrie’s goal.

Connolly tried to replicate the feat at the other end four minutes later, but sent his effort over the top.

The former Raith midfielder threatened again on 61 minutes, but Connelly got down well to save at the near post.

A scrappy period followed, with McStravick booked seconds after coming on, following quickly by Queens sub Tyrece McDonnell and McGregor, who suggested to referee Matthew MacDermid that he should sent McStravick for another foul.

Strapp tangled with Louis Longridge off the ball on 71 minutes, but with Longridge already in the book the referee decided a talking-to was enough.

Matthew Shiels saw an audacious effort land on the roof of Connelly’s net on 78 minutes, but two minutes later the visitors levelled, Connelly robbing Dean McMaster of possession and finding McDonnell, who cut inside and curled home a cultured finish.

Airdrie pressed to regain the lead, but Ferrie held Gavin Gallagher’s tame effort on 82 minutes before making a point-blank save from Henderson two minutes later.

Ross saw a late effort blocked before a stoppage-time Queen’s Park corner was volleyed wide, and the final whistle sounded on an hard-fought match.

The Diamonds are back on the road with a trip to Gayfield next weekend.