Airdrie take a slender 1-0 lead into the second leg of their play-off clash against Alloa on Saturday.
The Diamonds, who finished third in the table, scored the only goal of the game through Andy Ryan in the 52nd minute.
The visitors made a bright start and Calum Waters' close-range effort was well saved by Rohan Ferguson in the third minute.
Airdrie responded as Ryan robbed defender Graeme Holmes and raced clear only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Neil Parry, who then kept out a fierce volley from Adam Brown shortly afterwards.
The home side took the lead early in the second half when Ryan headed home an inviting cross from Ryan Conroy.
Brown was denied a second when his thumping effort was pushed away by Parry.
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