Airdrieonians boss bemoans 'fine margins' in defeat to Livingston

Airdrie gaffer Rhys McCabe felt it was 'fine margins' in both boxes that cost them the points in Livingston as the Diamonds' winless run continued after a 2-1 defeat in West Lothian.

Lewis Strapp’s spell with the Diamonds got off to the worst possible start as he diverted a Cristian Montano delivery from the left into his own net on just five minutes.

Livi thought they had bagged a second inside 10 minutes only for referee Dan McFarlane to rule Fraser had fouled keeper Kieran Wright in the process of heading home.

Having weathered that early storm, Airdrie passed up a glorious chance for an equaliser when Ben Wilson was sent through on goal but was thwarted by Jerome Prior.

The keeper was beaten just three minutes later, though. A probing run from Adam Frizzell led to Mochrie being teed up with the attacker producing a composed finish across the Frenchman and into the far corner for his third goal of the season.

Airdrie were certainly giving as good as they got against the title challengers but almost found themselves behind for a second time midway through the first half as Jamie Brandon’s long-range strike went wide with Wright rooted to the spot.

They were dealt a blow just before the interval when Strapp’s evening came to a premature end while McCabe himself didn’t show for the second half - replaced by Lewis McGrattan.

Following the lengthy stoppage, Wright was called into action to ensure it was level pegging at the break as he palmed away a thunderous Fraser drive from distance.

Livi started the brighter after the break and almost got back in front in the opening minutes when a slack pass back from Mason Hancock put Wright under real pressure - but Stevie May’s challenge as he attempted to poke the ball home saw