Dunfermline Athletic 0-2 Airdrieonians: Two former Pars players help Diamonds leapfrog hosts

Nikolay Todorov headed home for Airdrieonians against his former club

A goal either side of the break from former Dunfermline Athletic players gave Airdrieonians a victory that lifts them above their hosts in the Scottish Championship after a tough affair at East End Park.

Both sides knew a victory would increase their hopes of a promotion play-off spot and, despite Dunfermline controlling much of the game early on, it was the visitors who took an early lead.

A deep cross into the box was met by the head of Nikolay Todorov, who gave Deniz Mehmet no chance in the home goal.

The second goal came on the hour mark when fellow forward Gabby McGill wrapped up the win with a wonderful turn and shot from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Although Dunfermline came close to finding the net in the first half through Matthew Todd, visiting goalkeeper Josh Rae was rarely tested and the Lanarkshire side ran out worthy winners.

The result means the Diamonds move three points clear of the home side and leapfrog them in the table into fifth spot.

What the managers said

Dunfermline Athletic manager James McPake: "We need to be more ruthless. That's the real negative of tonight - for all the decent chances we had in the game, we didn't make the keeper work enough."

Airdrieonians player-manager Rhys McCabe: "We knew coming here it was about playing the percentages really well, doing the basics really well. We never really felt in danger towards the latter stages of the game."