Falkirk 1 Airdrie 4: Callum Smith at the double again as Diamonds keep pressure on Cove Rangers

Callum Smith hit a deadly double for the second game running as Airdrieonians kept up the pressure on League One leaders Cove Rangers with a fine win at Falkirk.

The Diamonds made it 13 games unbeaten in the division with a 4-1 victory at the Falkirk Stadium thanks to a goal in each half from the in-form striker, a Calum Gallagher header and a strike from Hearts loanee Scott McGill. Former Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths notched a consolation for Falkirk.

Following two goals at Alloa last week, Smith bagged a brace again to make it five goals in five outings, taking him to 13 goals for the season, before his strike partner made sure of the win 15 minutes from time.

The result inflicted a first home defeat of 2022 on the Bairns and kept second-place Airdrie within five points of Cove at the summit going into the final seven games of the campaign.

Ian Murray named the same side which beat Alloa last week, with Calum Gallagher and Callum Smith leading the line.

There were two changes for the hosts as boss Martin Rennie brought in Jaze Kabia and Aidan Nesbitt for Anton Dowds and Gary Miller who played in last week's 1-1 draw with Clyde.

Falkirk enjoyed a lot of possession in the opening minutes but, with their first real attack of the match, Airdrie broke the deadlock after just seven minutes. Smith collected possession and weaved his way past a few Falkirk defenders on the edge of the box before finding the bottom corner with low drive.

It was almost 2-0 moments later when Robbie Mutch did well to palm a wayward defensive header clear of the target, then get down well to hold Gabby McGill's close range header.

Airdrie were turning on the style and confident on the ball with Easton pulling off a Cruyff turn and Frizzell