Airdrieonians took an advantage in the first leg of the Scottish Championship play-off final with a 2-1 victory over Cove at Balmoral Stadium.

The visitors relied on a set-piece to put themselves in front with right-back Dylan MacDonald rising highest off a corner to nod in Adam Frizzell’s delivery after 16 minutes.

The lead did not last long however with Lewis McGrattan’s own goal after 35 minutes giving the hosts a way back going into the break.

The visitors had looked the more likely to get the winner and they did just that with Lewis Strapp’s guided finish into the bottom right corner marking his first of the season.

The sides face off again on Saturday at Excelsior Stadium as they fight to secure their place in the second tier.