Five games unbeaten came crashing to a halt after a woeful display saw Airdrie put four past Alloa Athletic.

It was a day to forget as the Wasps travelled to the Excelsior Stadium and looked miles off the mark from the first whistle.

By half time, the visitors were already three goals behind, with Airdrie picking up a fourth midway through the second half to send Alloa packing.

Manager Brian Rice said it was a poor defensive display for his team and was a far cry from previous performances this season over the past few weeks.

He said: “Airdrie played very well and we didn’t reach the standards we expect to reach. We started the game really poorly.

“Defensively, we weren’t as good as we should be. Individual players not playing as well as they could, mistakes made and that spread throughout the team.

“We kept possession, created chances but Airdrie deserved to win. I hope it was just a blip because the boys have been fantastic.

“This is our first league loss since November and the important thing is how you bounce back. Looking to Saturday now, the question is: can we bounce back?”

Alloa have been hindered with injuries this season – Paul McLaren has been out since January with an ACL tear and this game was no different.

Midfielder Steven Buchanan was hooked only four minutes after coming on, with Rice explaining he pulled his hamstring, forcing him to withdraw.

“He pulled his hamstring,” Rice added. “He was only on for about five minutes and done his hamstring.

“It’s unfortunate for the lad but injuries happen in football, we certainly know that this season. But, we’ve got plenty of cover there.

“We’re still looking to bring one or two more in, we’re always looking to take on better than we’ve got. We’ve got plenty time and I’m still looking.”

Alloa Athletic will be in action against Peterhead at the Recs this Saturday, January 4.

Rice will be looking for a response from his team against the visitors, who currently sit bottom of the table.