As Airdrie 2-3 Thorn Athletic

By Neil Brown
November 22 2010

AS Airdrie 2-3 Thorn Athletic

Airdrie fell to there first defeat of the season as they exited the West of Scotland cup at the third round stage. Top SAFL side Thorn Athletic visited Airdrie for the third round tie at Central park. airdrie remained unchaged from the side that swept Victoria Park aside 7 days earlier.

Both sides had to face the difficult task of trying to play some football on the Central park surface but did so as best they could. Airdrie settled better and Gray struck the post after 2 minutes, Lindsay found him in space and the striker got past the last man and slid the ball past the keeper but could only find the base of the post. Smith brought out a save from Thorn keeper McWilliams after 20 minutes after Adams and Gray set him up inside the box. Thorn got more into the game as the half wore on and a midfield battle ensued, Smith with a brilliant tackle stopping a Thorn move set the tone. Airdrie grabbed the lead after 37 minutes when Ross Graham's free kick into the penalty area wasn't properly cleared and Neil Pardoe found time and Space to slot a shot past McWilliams for a 1 goal lead. As the game drifted towards half time Thorn found an equaliser, Airdrie failed to pick up the ball in the midfield and Edgar's last ditch tackle couldn't stop Thorn's Smith from running through on Goal, a slight bobble never put the stirker off and the ball sailed high past Rowan into the top corner.

Half Time 1-1

The second half begun much the same as the first airdrie having a good early spell, They capitilised on this by going in front again ross Graham's corner was met at the back post by Cooper and his header back across the face was crashed by edgar who threw himself in first to head home from 6 yards. Airdrie were forced to make a change as Brady picked up a hamstring Strain but before the sub could be readied Thorn struck back as Airdrie's defence was caught out and Smith again gave Rowan no chance as he bore down on goal, Things got worse as Thorn then went in front from a carbon copy move 2 minutes later Smith dinking the ball over Rowan as thorn tuirned the tie on it's head. airdrie battled hard with 20 minutes still on the clock but were unable to muster a clear cut chance. Thorn did what was required to see the game out and advance to the 4th round.

Full time 2-3

A crazy spell that saw Airdrie concede two goals in two minutes the difference in this one, Quality finishing from Thorn's Smith can't be argued with but Airdrie put everything into this one and are very unlucky to be out of the competition. all the best to Thorn in round 4 and beyond but it's back to league business before anothe rcrack at the big time in the Scottish cup early december.

MOM Stuart Smith - a battling display from the Airdrie captain, he and counterpart Lindsay had an epic battle with the the Thorn midfield.

Rowan

R.Graham Cooper Edgar N.Pardoe

Shaw Smith Lindsay Brady

Gray Adams

Slevin for Brady (65)

McCall for R.Graham (78)

McPake