Airdrie United 0-1 Falkirk

Airdrie moved closer to relegation after a frustrating loss to a young Falkirk side who played the last quarter of the game with ten men, writes Jack Robertson at Excelsior Stadium.

Scorer: Falkirk- Taylor 58

Bairns hotshot Lyle Taylor claimed a penalty on 16 minutes after a Ricki Lamie challenge but referee Matt Northcroft booked him for diving.

Jay Fulton then fired an 18-yard shot just over Robbie Thomson’s bar as the Scottish Cup semi-finalists looked for a breakthrough.

On the stroke of half-time, Michael McGovern’s punched clearance fell to Willie McLaren but the Airdrie danger man’s chip was cleared by Darren Dods.

On 48 minutes McLaren went close with a well-hit shot that McGovern parried away but ten minutes later Airdrie pushed the self-destruct button when Gregor Buchanan lost the ball to Taylor who ruthlessly punished them by running in to shoot home.

A neat Falkirk move on 64 minutes ended with Thomas Grant firing over from 16 yards but the Diamonds seemed to be thrown a lifeline on 66 minutes after Taylor was given a second yellow card for a flare-up with Airdrie’s Buchanan.

Despite being a man down, Falkirk’s young side kept their cool to see out the victory comfortably.