Terriors sneak it 2-1 in the CIS Cup

The game started brightly for Airdrie and David McGuire in particular was enjoying acres of space that allowed him a couple of long range efforts in the first half hour. Only real threat from United was a Steve Thompson cross that Vella did well to steal off Lilley's toes. The game roared into life when Jerome Veraille seemingly put the ball over Paul Gallacher's goal line after an hour but to our dismay the linesman ignored his appeals. From my vantage point in Section H it looked like the ball had crossed the line but it's spilled milk now. United started to throw themselves about a bit and the disappointing display from Scotland Cap Thompson was going to get worse as his theatrics eventually led to a penalty as he buckled like a pathetic heap in a challenge with Sandy Stewart. Maybe he was embarrassed by being outpaced by a 37year old on his last legs? Berti's bombshell had used a similar tactic moments earlier to win a free kick but this time he'd got a penalty a minute before half time. Justice was done as his telegraphed spotkick was excellently saved by Mark McGeown.

Two quick goals in the second half killed Airdrie. Firstly a ricoched clearance fell to the Scotland numpty in the box and he rifled home unchallenged. Airdrie swapped Veraille for Gow and the youngster had three chances in five minutes the third of which he snatched at with the goal beckoning before Thompson grabbed the second from a corner with twenty five minutes left. Airdrie did attempt to get back into it gamely but a bad substitution, Glancy for Ronald, took the impetus from our attacks. McKeown would surely have been the better option in my humble opinion. We failed to hold up the ball in the last quarter of an hour. With five minutes left I'd have taken the score as it was if we could finish injury free but sadly Neil McGowan and Sandy both took heavy knocks at the death. Big Vella, who had an outstanding night, grabbed a last minute consolation from a corner but it was too little, too late.

I can take defeat but tonight the refereeing and theatrics for a few in tangerine soured things a bit. Thompson was a joke and his performance belied his recent achievements and growing status in the game. Miller too needs to lose a stone if he's to become a contender again. I thought Easton, Duff, Wilson and Lilley played well for United. For Airdrie we have a long way to go but there are signs that the good times could return with a few decent acquisitions. Willie Wilson did a steady job at right back and I won't have a go at him. Berty Brannigan threw himself, at least as best as his creaking frame would let him, at anything he could. Vella was outstanding, Sandy tried but looked tired. Armstrong and Doc were again dynamite in the central midfield area. Armstrong in particular is being asked to play everywhere these days and always gives 100% for us. Sometimes he gets slagged for not being able to cross so well from the left. ????? That's two games in that position against SPL teams and two first class displays. Up front Jerome worked hard and should have had a goal. Ronald played out his skin and McGuire was looking like a level or two above D2. Gow had a good spell when he came on too. We need a few players come the winter break. A centre half with life in him (Forrest?), a left back (McCann?), a midfielder (Taylor?) and a striker who can score goals (Roberts?). Wishful thinking maybe? Sandy looks capable of organising a team that can cause the cup upsets but is handicapped by a threadbare squad.