Airdrie (2) v. Dumbarton (1) - 8/3/03
By Gordon Thomson
March 9 2003
Airdrie Utd had been on a decent unbeaten run since losing narrowly to league leaders Raith back in January but nearly all the results have been draws. As the nine team promotion AND relegation battle reaches the last phase a win was vital against Dumbarton.
Airdrie had a much more solid look for this crunch game. Player boss Sandy Stewart returned from his hamstring injury to play sweeper behind rookie Scott Wilson and incumbent hardman Neil McGowan who'd been out for a couple of weeks with
a gashed foot. The move let skipper Stephen Docherty move back into midfield to partner Marvyn Wilson for the first time in a long time.
An added bonus was the prospect of Alan Gow playing just off the inform strikeforce of McKeown and Vareille. Airdrie Utd:
With the revitalised looking team it didn't take too long at all for the changes to work. In the first minute Stevie McKeown did, as he's done all season, turned a hopeless cause into a goalscoring opportunity. He took a ball outside the box, ran through several challenges, then attempted a shot at goal. He completely miskicked the ball, regained composure, shot again, the goalie parried the ball loose in the six yard box, Jerome volleyed the ball off the crossbar (you didn't really expect him to score?), then Alan Gow had the simple task of nodding over the grounded keeper. One nil and cruising. At the stage, only one minute gone, the game was never in doubt.
Airdrie settled well. Scott Wilson, the only real percieved 'weak link', would prove crucial. He's only had two starts and failed to finish either. Last week's sub appearance suggested some hope for him but today, against Paddy Flannery, would provide a stern test of his ability. Thankfully, first half at least, he looked capable of being at least a useful player. Unlike Vella in recent weeks he even managed to win a few headers and complete some passes. Indeed he looks like he can be comfortable with the ball at his feet. It must have helped his confidence to have such a competent team around him though with the evergreen Stewart looking after him and quality like Armstrong not too far away. Docherty was seemingly enjoying himself in midfield again after a run in defence, getting involved in some meaty clashes, getting as good as he got too. Up front the three forwards were working well although a lack of finishing skills kept the score down and helped make the last ten minutes very edgy, Jerome yet again the main culprit.
Airdrie went two up after quarter of an hour when Dunn's speculative cross from the left was messed up by the goalie and a defender for our softest goal of the season. I'm not sure if it was a headed own goal or if both of them left it to each other but it left us on easy street from early on. Both teams had good chances, McKeown and Veraille both had good one v. one chances in the second half and McGeown had to make two huge saves before Paddy Flannery pulled one back with ten minutes left. Airdrie's static defence were nowhere to be seen as a right wing cross was swung over for Flannery to outjump no markers for a picture book goal. Not for the first time this season Airdrie's defence have let the opposition walk through them. Anyhow, we hung on for the precious three points. A win on Tuesday at Hamilton would probably see us move into the top half. Only black spot was an injury to David Dunn late on.