Airdrie United 4 : 1 Brechin City - Holmes stars as Airdrie cruise

Derek Holmes scored a brace as promotion hopefuls Airdrie eased to a 4-1 win over Brechin at New Broomfield.

The hosts got off to a flying start when Holmes collected Ryan Donnelly's pass before finishing inside the area after seven minutes.

Donnelly doubled the advantage seven minutes later with a stunning overhead kick past a stranded Craig Nelson.

And Paul Lovering rounded off a frantic opening when he scored from the penalty spot after Paul McLean felled William McLaren in the 23rd minute.

But the Diamonds did pull a goal back just after the half-hour mark, substitute Bryan Hodge rose highest to head home a Paul McManus cross.

Victory was all but ensured four minutes from time when Holmes added his second and Airdrie's fourth with a superb volley from the edge of the box.