Airdrie fielded the same XI that beat Falkirk last week, meaning that Alan McManus was again out with his damaged hamstring. Thankfully we even had our full compliment of subs to choose from this week.
Both teams were up for this eagerly awaited crunch clash with a healthy sized crowd officially just over 4100 making loads of noise. This was also the first league game where any fans have been allowed into the South Stand. All credit to the magnificent travelling support from the West End. Airdrie's crowd also swelled for this game and I'd hope that they'll return for our next home game.
To the game itself, Airdrie were the dominant team in the first half. Coyle got the all important goal barely 20mins into the game when he deflected a dangerous ball in at the far post. The Airdrie defenders were playing out of their skin and Neil MacFarlane, Sandy Stewart, and Kevin James really looked awesome today. The midfield trio of Taylor, Henry and McPherson blended well to hold the shape of the team together and Mark Roberts continues to impress with his excellent link up play.
Thistle came into the game a bit in the second half but Stuart Taylor hit the bar for us. Alan Ferguson then had to make a Superman like save midway through the half as Thistle threatened to get right back into the game. That save would be crucial in the end. Airdrie could and should have had the game tied up near the end when sub Lee Gardner missed from 12 yards out after being teed up perfectly. He managed to hit the outside of the post when he couldn't miss. In the end it didn't matter as Airdrie recorded a vital win, much to the delight of manager Ian McCall and his staff down in the dug out.
Well done lads...
Airdrie (5:3:2) Ferguson; Armstrong, MacFarlane, Stewart, James, Smith; Taylor, Henry, McPherson; Roberts, Coyle: Subs: Gardner for Henry midway through the second half, Colin MacDonald for Coyle in the last minute.
Ferguson: Dominated his area well and had the outstanding save of the season to secure the points. 8/10
Armstrong: He patrolled the right touchline well but final ball could be better. 7/10
MacFarlane: Tackled everything that moved like a real life superhero. 8/10
Stewart: Despite his age he turned in a majestic performance, using all his experience to calm things down. 8/10
James: Dominant in defence and as usual our main threat from set pieces. 7/10
Smith: Worked hard down the left and held his own in his battle with McKinstry. 7/10
Taylor: Unlucky to hit the bar and got booked. Playing better than a few weeks ago. 6/10
Henry: Improving every game. His intelligent thrusting runs from midfield give us a look of class till he went off. 7/10.
McPherson: Worked hard and had a ferocious long range shot fizz just over. 7/10
Roberts: His workrate was first class, but he just didn't get a sniff of goal today. 8/10
Coyle: Worked like a trojan today and took the goal well. He could work better at keeping possesion though. 7/10 | 
Coyle's Winner