Airdrie 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (B Division)

Match Report

a Gallant second-half defensive play, when Airdrie pressed almost continuously, gave Dundee United well-earned point at Broomifield Park yesterday. Hero was Bobby Ross. United's centre-half time and time again baulked eager attackers. On a snow covered pitch United had, in the first half, played some grand football, with inside-men Hume and Dickson repeated!y splitting the home defence wide open. Unfortunately for the Tannadice team. Hume was injured just on the interval and limped on the right touchline for the rest of the game. United adapted themselves to the slippery footing right from the start with their first time passing. Airdrie were too fond of the short pass. It. was their due reward when United went ahead in 17 minutes. Jardine put in a lob from fully 35-yards out, and when McKay rushed in the Airdrie keeper allowed the ball to bounce into the net. Airdrie came back but the next thrill came from Cruickshank. The wee left winger crossed a beauty, and Downie just managed to punch it off McKay's head. In 26 minutes Airdrie equalised. Seawright brought the ball in from the wing, barged his way past Berrie, several near things at the Airdrie end the United goal had let-off four minutes before half-time, a Seawright drive hitting the inside of the far post and being scrambled clear. The second half was a thriller, with Airdrie going all out for a winner and United defending heroically. Airdrie did get the ball in the net once from a non-scoring free kick in the box. As the ball hadn’t touched anyone a goal kick was awarded. But for all their pressure the homesters were never dangerous as United were in their breakaway raids. Several times Dickson, McKay and Cruickshank got away, and almost pulled out the winner for United. The second half took its toll in injuries. In addition to Hume, Boyd, Berrie, and Cruickshank, all suffered knocks, while Airdrie were without Parlane for spell.