Mark Roberts took his tally to four goals in three matches as his double took Airdrieonians to the top of the First Division.

Ian McCall's side leapfrogged promotion favourites Ayr, who had equalised Roberts' first-half opener through Paul Lovering.

Airdrie have now gone six games without defeat against Ayr, who have travelled to the Shyberry Excelsior five times in a row without a victory.

The last three league meetings between the clubs had ended all square, while there had been a stalemate on Ayr's last three visits to Airdrie.

There was no chance of this one ending goalless.

The opening goal arrived after 30 minutes when a loose ball fell kindly to Roberts in the box and he netted easily.

Ayr were without striker James Grady through injury, but they grabbed an equaliser only minutes later through a powerful header from defender Lovering.

The second half was dominated by the home side and a spectacular strike from Roberts proved to be the winner.

A spell of intense pressure paid off after 63 minutes when Roberts received a pass from Stuart Taylor and lashed a 30-yard drive beyond Craig Nelson.

Airdrie: Ferguson, Armstrong, McPherson, Stewart, McManus, James, Beesley, McFarlane, Coyle, Roberts, Smith

Subs: Taylor, McDonald, Docherty, Dunn, Bennett