Ian McCall's Airdrie took another giant step towards safety with a 1-1 draw against Falkirk at Brockville.

The Bairns opened the scoring after 19 minutes when Andy Lawrie crossed from the right and home skipper Davie Nicholls stole in to head under the diving Ramiro Gonzalez from eight yards.

Falkirk's Gareth Hutchison should have scored a second when he was clean through in the 24th minute but he only succeeded in hitting the goalkeeper.

After the break the visitors fought back strongly and, after 53 minutes, they were rewarded with the equaliser.

Ian Cameron found Owen Coyle unmarked 12 yards out with his back to goal and, when the veteran striker was allowed space to turn, he hooked the ball over Falkirk keeper Miles Hogarth.

The visitors might have taken all three points when Lee Gardner was left with an open goal after 78 minutes.

But the striker somehow managed to poke the ball wide, as Falkirk held on for a point.