Airdrieonians’ bid to stay in the Scottish Championship got off to the perfect start as they defeated Stenhousemuir 3-1 in their play-off first leg, while Cove Rangers and Queen of the South played out a stalemate.
Rhys McCabe’s side were spared automatic demotion after Hamilton’s points deduction, and looked to take full advantage of a second chance against the side who finished fourth in League One.
Two Lewis McGrattan goals before the half hour mark had them in firm control, and then Chris Mochrie added a third in the second half.
However, Matty Aitken’s penalty in the 89th minute gives Stenny some hope before Saturday’s return in Airdrie, as they seek back-to-back promotions.
In the other semi-final, Cove Rangers managed a 0-0 draw away at Queen of the South.
Fraser Fyvie, Aberdeen loanee Findlay Marshall, and Mitch Megginson all went close for Paul Hartley’s second-place side, while Benjamin Luissint’s shot late on almost snatched victory for Queen’s.
The sides – who finished just two points apart in the league – play again on Saturday.
