Falkirk's good away form continues and deservedly so as they brushed aside Airdrie with a first half brace that stunned the home side and left them an uphill battle.
The match had barely reached the sixth minutes when a Kevin Christie clearance bounced kindly for Russell Latapy. The former Rangers star did not hesitate and volleyed home a superb right-foot shot that rattled into the back of the net off keeper Mark McGeown's right-hand post.
Airdrie, to their credit, responded in a positive fashion and took the game to the league leaders. However, as the home side squandered chance after chance the need for a more effective strike force was stark.
In defence Airdrie were all at sea. The performances of Kevin Christie and Neil McGowan were terrible and their confusion caused mayhem every time Falkirk came forward.
The visitors' second on the stroke of half-time came following another defensive lapse. A free-kick from the half way line found Andy Thomson in the box. His sharp turn left McGowan wrong footed and allowed the striker to beat the keeper again at his right-hand post.
Not surprisingly Airdrie came out after the break with all guns blazing. However, it took until the 72nd minute before they finally broke through. A cross from Allan McManus found the admirable Owen Coyle with space in the box. His turn was quick and his shot into the net explosive.
With hope in their hearts the fans cheered the home side on but once again those defensive cracks became all too apparent.
Within six minutes Falkirk had regained their two-goal advantage. Failing to clear their lines provided full-back Andy Lawrie a scoring opportunity from close range. His shot into the net left the keeper with no chance.