Diamond Brown sparkles to find cutting edge

Kevin McBride last night hailed star turn Adam Brown after his brilliant brace earned Airdrie their first win of the season.

The ex- St Mirren youngster struck either side of Mark Gilhaney’s goal as the Diamonds finally got their Group E campaign up and running.

Airdrie are three points behind Queen of the South and Partick Thistle in the table.

Acting head coach McBride was

delighted with the result and said: “The goals are great for Adam and will give him confidence. He’s a great player and probably should have played a lot more last season but I think our style of football will suit him.”

The Diamonds took the lead in 13 minutes when Brown intercepted Alan Cook’s ball and lashed home after a surging run.

Stenny hit back after Jack Smith robbed Conor McLaughlin and fed Gilhaney but his effort was held by Rohan Ferguson.

Airdrie should have doubled their advantage when Ryan Conroy whipped a corner in for Joe Gorman but the Irish defender headed past.

The Warriors equal ised when Ferguson spilled Cook’s long-range drive with Gilhaney tapping home.

But Airdrie restored their lead in 67 minutes when they hit on the counter with Brown slotting home an Iain Russell ball.

Stenny boss Brown Ferguson said: “I thought we were the better team in the second half.

“I don’t think we can qualify from this group so it is about being ready for the league.”