Airdrie eased their way into the second round of the CIS Insurance Cup with two goals in a three-minute spell helping them on their way to victory over Morton.

Despite creating a host of chances in the first half, Airdrie only scored once through a headed goal by Kevin James after 12 minutes.

A Paul Armstrong free-kick picked out the big centre half inside the penalty area and he rose unmarked to head past Craig Coyle.

Morton battled and had a vicious 25-yard drive by Alan Reid turned over the top by Allan Ferguson.

The second goal arrived in the 58th minute. Craig McPherson made room for himself before sending over a perfect cross for Mark Roberts to nod home his sixth goal of the season.

Two minutes later, Roberts sent Neil MacFarlane clear and the Airdrie midfielder slid the ball home for his first goal with his new club to complete the scoring.

Airdrie: Ferguson, Armstrong, McPherson, Stewart, McManus, James, Gardner, MacFarlane, Coyle, Roberts, Smith

Subs: Beesley, McDonald, Taylor, Dunn, Bennett