Airdrieonians striker Owen Coyle grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser to deny hosts Partick Thistle three points in a terrific top-of-the-table clash. Coyle side-footed the ball home from close range after Thistle goalkeeper David Klein had fumbled Darren Beesley's cross to gift the forward his 14th goal of the season. It meant that Airdrie retained their three-point led at the top of the First Division after playing second fiddle for much of the match.

Midfielder Martin Hardie survived a late fitness test to start for Partick only to be sent off with 23 minutes remaining. Defenders Tony Smith and Stephen Docherty were out injured for Airdrie.

But there was little the visiting defence could do as Thistle took the lead after 16 minutes with a 25-yard strike from Jamie Dolan that left goalkeeper Allan Ferguson with no chance.

Ferguson had earlier pulled off great saves to deny Hardie and Gerry Britton.

The visitors thought they had a penalty in the first half after a shove on Kevin James by Klein, but the referee waved play on.

Thistle were frustrated further when Hardie was sent off with 23 minutes remaining for his second bookable offence.

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

Subs: Beesley, McDonald, Taylor, MacDonald, Bennett