Airdrie (4) v. QOTS (0) 3/12/05

AIRDRIE UTD

Queens

FIRST HALFThe Diamonds dominated this game from the word first whistle to the last against a completely lacklustre Dumfries side. In this week’s Advertiser Ian McCall suggested that he might not have the same hunger back that he displayed at Airdrie and Falkirk earlier this decade and how it showed in his side. Airdrie took an early lead when the impressive Willie McLaren broke through their midfield and fed a perfect lay-off to the recently misfiring Bryan Prunty who clipped a beautiful shot around Colin Scott with the outside of his left foot for a sweet, sweet opener. Prunty had needed a goal and he clearly had a renewed spring in his step after the goal. McLaren wasn’t to be outdone either. The wee winger was playing in the ‘Paul Harvey’ position behind the front two as he’s done on a couple of occasions this season and he was using his pace and trickery to get the better of the experienced Stewart Lovell. Not long after setting up Prunty, McLaren worked another angle for himself from 20 yards and beat Scott all ends up with a low left footed drive to make it two to nil. Airdrie continued to dominate the half but there were no further goals in that first half.

MATCH UP Airdrie altered slightly to a 3412 formation with Willie McLaren playing just off the front two. This gave McLaren the opportunity to swing the game in Airdrie’s favour and he didn’t need any second chances today. McKeown had the unenviable task of having to keep tabs on Bowey, by far and away, the best player Queens have and as usual he didn’t disappoint. Elsewhere it was noticeable that McGowan’s run of poor form continued though the defender was taken off midway through the second half after spending halftime out on the pitch keeping loose. Coyle continued on the right but still looks like he has a lot to learn but what better time to get experience?

SECOND HALF Airdrie turned up the heat in the second half and went on an all out assault on Queens goal. McKeown, Hardie, McPhee and Prunty all had chances in the second half as wave after wave of attacks rained down on Scott’s goal. Eventually Airdrie did add to the two goal lead late in the game as McPhee twice beat Scott with close drives to give Airdrie a much deserved lead. It could have been more as substitute Stephen MacDougall went on a tantalisingly mazy run that ended with MacDougall himself tapping in a rebound from McPhee’s shot but adjudged offside. Only one person in the ground was happy to see the effort chopped off but then he did have £8 on us at 40/1 to win 4-0. Jammy git!!!

GOING FORWARD Is Willie McLaren playing in the "Paul Harvey" role the way forward for both the player and the club? Certainly on today's display you'd have to say yes. I'd guess both strikers would agree too? I do wonder about our defence though it's maybe a good thing that we've not sunk during the uncomfortable spell.