Airdrie failed to capalise on their excellent second half performance against Ross County which saw Partick Thistle go joint top of the First Division.

The visitors deserved their point thanks to a goal from Steve Hislop followed by a solid defensive display.But it was veteran striker Owen Coyle who again came to Airdrie's rescue with the equaliser.

The Diamonds started sharply and Stuart Taylor should have done better with an 18-yard shot that was easily saved by Tony Bullock. Bullock's opposite number, Allan Ferguson, was under heavier pressure and had to race off his line to stop Hislop intercepting Sandy Stewart's backpass.

County grabbed the opening goal after 29 minutes when Hislop received Allan McManus' pass and ran on before chipping Ferguson.

Airdrie piled on the pressure after the interval though and were rewarded in the 55th minute. Kevin James fired a ball across the goal area and Coyle was on hand to turn the ball in..

The league leaders piled on the pressure, but County's defence held firm to give manager Neale Cooper a much-needed away point.

Airdrie: Ferguson, Armstrong, McPherson, Stewart, McManus, James, Henry, MacFarlane, Coyle, Roberts, Taylor

Subs: Gardner, Smith, Dunn, McDonald, Bennett