Airdrie returned from Glebe Park last night with a 2-1 defeat in the 1st division play off semi final.

Brechin City take the slender lead to Excelsior Stadium on Saturday for the second leg thanks to a 44th minute penalty which was converted by Charlie King.

It was Brechin who started the brighter of the 2 sides and Rory McAllisters effort inside the first 5 minutes went just over.  Craig Nelson then had to look lively to block a Scott McLaughlin effort.  McAllister then had his second chance of the match and his lob found the net to put Brechin in front.  

Airdrie responded well and within five minutes were on equal terms later after Johh Baird fed Scott Gemmill to rifle home.  McAllister then had two good efforts on goal and his second blocked on the line by Diarmuid O'Carroll.

With the 1st half nearing its conclusion, McAllister who was causing the Diamonds problems went on a run into the penalty-area before being brought down by Bobby Donnelly. Referee Brian Winter immediately pointed to the penalty-spot and Charlie King stepped up to blast the spot kick beyond Hollis.

The 2nd half started well for Brechin and Lee Hollis had to look sharp to block a Kevin Byers effort.  Airdrie's best effort of the half came in the 75th minute when Scott McLaughlin saw his effort from outside the box saved by Nelson.

In the 85th minute McAllister had the chance to extend Brechins lead when he rounded the keeper only to see his effort go past the post.

Brechin will regard themselves unlucky only to taking a one goal lead into the 2nd leg after a deserved 1st leg vistory.

Brechin: Nelson, Richard Walker, Docherty, Smith, McLean, Byers, Fusco, Canning, McAllister, King, Archdeacon (Vallers 83). Subs Not Used: Scott, Masson, Cowan, Seeley. Booked: Archdeacon.

Goals: McAllister 10, King 44 pen.

Airdrie Utd: Hollis, Storey, Smyth, Robert Donnelly, Lovering (Trouten 62), McCann, McLaughlin, Gemmill, Waddell, O'Carroll (Keegan 72), Baird. Subs Not Used: Robertson, Smith, McDonald.

Goals: Gemmill 15.

Att: 583

Ref: B Winter