Airdrie 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

The only change from the side which defeated Hibs for the re-arranged trip to Broomfield was on the substitute bench where Darren Jackson replaced Paddy Connolly. The match couldn't have got off to a more explosive or sensational start as Martin dropped a hopeful lob from Victor Ferreyra at the feet of Ray McKinnon and then up-ended the Tannadice youngster as he was on the point of scoring! Unlike the previous Saturday, when Burridge had been sent off, Martin was only booked and promptly redeemed himself by saving the inevitable penalty kick taken by Maurice Malpas. The game was played at a frantic pace with Airdrie desperate to get at least a point to maintain their cushion over relegation threatened St. Mirren. There was a narrow squeak for us in the 13th minute when Airdrie indulged in their own version of head tennis, but only succeeded in heading the ball over. Almost immediately Duncan Ferguson sent in a thumping 20 yarder which Martin could only turn round the post. The 20th minute was to prove crucial in this fiercely contested affair. Black's free-kick was punched clear by Alan Main, but only to Davie Kirkwood whose drive from the edge of the box went through a ruck of players and under Alan Main's body. Airdrie's hustling style was causing us problems and Kirkwood twice more went close to scoring. Before the interval, Ray McKinnon sent a dipping volley just over to sound a warning to the home side.

For the second half when we had wind advantage, John Clark replaced Grant Johnson and soon after the re-start, Airdrie somehow survived an incredible goalmouth scramble which ended with striking the top of the bar when it looked certain we would score on about three occasions! Shortly afterwards, Mixu Paatelainen did net, but was ruled off-side. Substitute Darren Jackson had a shot deflected just over, but in the end, Airdrie put an end to our hat-trick of successive wins.