Forfar Athletic 1 Airdrieonians 3

Forfar Athletic started their League One campaign with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Airdrieonians on Saturday.

Despite leading 1-0 through Dale Hilson with twelve minutes remaining, six minutes later they had conceded three goals to the Diamonds.

Recent signings Aidan Wilson and Lewis Moore made their debuts as they replaced Eddie Malone and Gary Fraser.

The opening stages of the game were low in action with the only chance coming from Daryll Duffy as he fired wide early on.

Lewis Moore was denied by former Loon Scott Gallacher while at the other end Dale Carrick failed to find the target in the 21st minute.

Forfar took the lead just five minutes before the break; Dale Hilson running from his own half before playing the ball to John Baird and he squared it for Hilson to bury home.

Jamie Bain denied his former side as they looked for a quick equaliser; clearing Sean Crighton’s header off the line from a Ryan Conroy corner.

The Loons had chances to extend their lead in the second half with Hilson firing wide before Michael Travis saw his header held by Gallacher.

In the 66th minute Easton made his way towards goal before seeing his effort pushed away by Gallacher.

Nine minutes later Hilson played the ball to Baird who flicked it on for Ross Meechan, the defender got a shot away but couldn’t find the target.

The Loons were to rue their misses though with three goals in six minutes; Airdrie equalising in the 79th minute when sub Joao Victoria’s low effort was parried by McCallum and Conroy reacted first to net.

Two minutes later and Forfar were denied again with Meechan striking at Gallacher; shortly after they conceded as sub Leighton McIntosh beat McCallum to a long ball and lobbed it into the empty net.

With five minutes remaining Airdrie extended their lead with Victoria rifling low past the keeper.

A disappointing start to the season and they will hope to bounce back with a trip to title favourites Dumbarton this Saturday.

Match report by Lee Smith

Match Pictures