Two goals from Stuart Taylor and one from Mark Roberts kept Airdrie four points clear at the top of the First Division. Airdrie made one change to the team that succesfully won the Bells Challenge Cup, newboy John Henry making his debut taking over from Lee Gardner in the midfield.

It took Airdrie only three minutes to open the scoring when Abroath keeper Hinchcliffe fumbled the ball from an Owen Coyle cross and Stuart Taylor was on hand to poke the ball in the net.

With the Diamonds looking for a second goal, Abroath levelled on the 26th minute with a solo effort from John McGlashan that was unleashed into the top corner of Allan Ferguson's goal, leaving the keeper with no chance of saving it.

It wasent a suprise when the league leaders restored their lead theree minutes later when Mark Roberts was sent through on goal by Neil MacFarlane, and the striker tucked the ball neatly by the keeper.

Airdrie then had a chance to extend their league just before half-time only for Craig McPherson's shot to be blocked by Hinchcliffe.

Ten minutes after the interval Stuart Taylor got on the end of a superb cross from McPherson and sent a bullet header into the back of the net, giving Airdrie a more comfortable lead.

On the 66th minute Robert Dunn came on to replace debutant John Henry and Darren Beasley later came on for two goal hero Taylor.

With only minutes remaining Owen Coyle had a perfect chance to make it four for Airdrie but when he latched onto a cross from Dunn he could only direct it straight at the Abroath keeper.

Airdrie: Ferguson, Armstrong, McPherson, Stewart, McManus, James, Henry, MacFarlane, Coyle, Roberts, Taylor

Subs: Gardner, Beesley, Dunn, MacDonald, Bennett