Airdrieonians will take a slender advantage in to the home second leg of their Scottish Championship play-off final after victory over Cove Rangers at Balmoral Stadium.
Rhys McCabe's visitors, who finished ninth in the second tier and then beat Stenhousemuir in the play-off semi-final, took the lead through Dylan McDonald's header after 16 minutes.
Paul Hartley's Cove, who defeated fellow League 1 side Queen of the South to set up this final, went in level at the break thanks to Lewis McGrattan's own goal.
But Airdrie, who looked the more likely to net the winner and take an advantage into Saturday's second leg at the Excelsior Stadium - live on BBC Alba - got their just rewards.
Full-back Lewis Strapp timed his first goal of the season to perfection, guiding a slick shot into the bottom right corner for the Diamonds, who are on course to preserve their Championship status.
