A morale-boosting victory at Airdrie allowed Kilmarnock to book a lucrative Scottish Cup tie with Celtic.

Goals from Jamie Hammill and Colin Nish sealed the victory at New Broomfield to set up a fifth round clash with the Scottish champions at Rugby Park this Saturday lunchtime.

That this tie even took place was an achievement in itself after twice falling victim to weather.

But, with the waiting finally over, the incentives could not have been higher for both sides, with a televised meeting with the holders the prize for the victors.

With Killie languishing second bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Airdrie riding high in the Irn-Bru Second Division, this tie did not appear a formality for the visitors.

Kilmarnock had also suffered an early exit from the CIS Insurance Cup at the hands of First Division Hamilton earlier in the season and their last meeting with Airdrie had ended in a penalties defeat five years ago.

But, within five minutes, it became apparent that there was unlikely to be an upset on the cards at New Broomfield this evening.

Chad Harpur made his long-awaited debut for Kilmarnock between the sticks after first choice goalkeeper Alan Combe was sidelined after suffering a knock against Dundee United at the weekend. It was Harpur's big night but, in truth, the South African did not have a great deal to do.

His opposite number, Stephen Robertson, was called into action early on when Willie Gibson presided over a free-kick following a foul on Hammill.

Gibson's delivery was inch-perfect, picking out Frazer Wright at the back post, who should have buried the header. However, the defender had not reckoned on a last-gasp save from Robertson to keep the scoreline level.

At the other end, Airdrie's best chance of the first half arrived when Stuart Noble shrugged off Simon Ford before unleashing a well-struck, left-footed drive.

Harpur spilled the effort but quickly regained his composure to smother on the line.

Airdrie had been holding their own against the SPL side, without really threatening, but found themselves trailing after 24 minutes.

Gibson's low free-kick sliced through the packed goalmouth and the slightest of touches was all that was required from Hammill to prod into the back of the net from eight yards.

Hammill could have then won a penalty when he was brought down by Stephen McKenna - but referee Dougie McDonald ruled the challenge took place just outside the box and Alan Morgan, making his first start, was wasteful with the resultant set-piece.

With 36 minutes gone, the official did point to the spot. McKenna was the offender again, this time bringing down Nish, who brushed himself off to take the penalty himself.

The striker's future at Rugby Park remains in doubt after he refused to sign a new deal but there was no uncertainty about his finish as he rifled home from 12 yards.

However, Nish's night came to a painful and premature end when he appeared to twist his ankle in a challenge with Robert Donnelly early in the second half.

Nish hobbled off to be replaced by David Fernandez eight minutes after the restart, with Killie fans wondering if it would be his last appearance for the club.

Meanwhile, Airdrie attempted to give their own supporters a glimmer of hope by trying to haul themselves back into the tie and Noble was not too far away from connecting with Darren Smith's back post cross.

Airdrie could have had a penalty of their own after substitute Bryan Prunty claimed his shot came off the arm of Ford but the referee was unimpressed by the pleas.

Frustration took over and there appeared to be no way back when the Second Division battlers were reduced to 10 men with seven minutes to go.

Smith had been booked for an earlier challenge on Gibson and a second yellow card for a foul on the same player proved costly when he was dismissed.

There was a moment of panic for Killie when Allan Russell cracked a thunderous shot off the underside of the crossbar but the SPL side managed to hold on for the win.

Teams:

Airdrie Utd Robertson, Donnelly, Smyth, McKenna, Lovering, McDonald, Smith, Andreoni (Watt 72), Russell, Noble (Prunty 61), Waddle.

Subs Not Used: Hollis, Holmes, Craig.

Sent Off: Smith (83).

Booked: Smith, Watt, Lovering.

Kilmarnock Harpur, Corrigan, Fowler, Ford, Frazer Wright, Hay, Gibson (Bryson 84), Morgan (Invincibile 74), Hamill, Nish (Fernandez 52), Wales.

Subs Not Used: Rascle, Locke.

Booked: Hay.

Goals: Hamill 25, Nish 37 pen.

Att: 3,258

Ref: D McDonald (Scotland).