Airdrie took all three points in the derby with a 2-0 win over Motherwell.
A ferociously contested affair was decided by Rhys McCabe’s 30-yard free-kick midway through the second half, and Scott McGill’s unstoppable second soon after.
In the blazing sun, both teams took time to settle with enthusiastic forays forward failing to trouble either keeper early on.
Kouider-Aissa headed over early on for the hosts, while Woolery was teed up well by Watt on the edge of the box but saw his shot blocked.
A Watt free-kick was sent over from 25 yards as the visitors took control, but the Diamonds were strong on the counter and O’Connor in particular had to be alert on several occasions to head away from close range.
Then with five minutes left in the half, the Irish defender had the golden chance of the game.
Maguire’s free-kick from the left found a sea of claret and amber jerseys unmarked at the back post and O’Connor got his head on it 10 yards out, only to head straight at the ‘keeper.
‘Well started the second half on the attack and should have had the lead in the first two minutes.
A ball into the box from O’Donnell went over the heads of everyone to meet the run of Lawless, who stooped low but couldn’t get a clean connection on his header and sent it wide.
Liam Kelly had to come to the rescue soon after. A long throw from the left found its way to the back post where Kerr was lurking unmarked.
Taking time to set himself, his fierce effort from 10 yards was bound for the top-right corner but the goalkeeper smartly got across to deny a certain goal.
Motherwell upped the intensity. A great surging run down the left from Woolery led to his near post shot being turned away by the feet of Currie.
But in the 67th minute, the game would swing in Airdrie’s favour.
A foul 30 yards out provided McCabe with the shooting chance and he took it, firing straight into the top-right corner of the net.
Motherwell tried to pile on the pressure and get balls into the box, with the introduction of Van Veen causing problems.
Watt headed wide with 17 minutes left from Cornelius’ cross, but the hosts were still strong on the counter and got their second.
After good intercchange on the edge of the area, substitute McGill sent an unstoppable drive into the top-left corner of the net.
Motherwell: Kelly, S O’Donnell, O’Connor, Lamie, McGinley, Crawford (Van Veen 67), Maguire, Cornelius, Woolery, Lawless, Watt.
Subs not used: Fox, Johnston, C O’Donnell, McLeod, Carroll, Parker, Amaluzor, Donnelly.