The Stomp - Bannerman AFC 4-3 AS Airdrie

Bannerman 4 AS Airdrie 3(aet)

The GGPL side knocked Airdrie out of the West of Scotland cup after an absorbing contest at Lochend. Goals from Kenny Pardoe, Gray and Neil Pardoe were not enough to go through.

Airdrie kept the same side as last week but Shaw, Torrens, Scott and S.Graham joined Leishman on the bench

Airdrie started well and probably had the better of the first half with the midfield 5 dominating their 4 although their number 10 was a danger anytime he had the ball. Bannerman took the lead after 15 minutes when Airdrie made a mess of clearing the ball. Five minutes later it was 1-1 when a fine passing move released Lindsay and his chip over the last line found Kenny Pardoe who hammered a tremendous left foot volley in off the underside of the bar. Chances fell to both teams but both defences held out until half time.

If Airdrie had the better of the first half then Bannerman controlled the second and had Airdrie on the back foot for the best part. Rowan had to look lively with a couple of fine saves, then a downward header that shaved the bar. Airdrie defended well but couldn’t get enough of the ball. First change saw Torrens on for Kenny Pardoe then the home team brought on number 16 who went on to have a fine game. With 18 to go Bannerman made it 2-1 when a corner wasn’t dealt with and the player scrambled the ball home from 5 yards. Shaw then replaced Lindsay as Airdrie went 3-4-3 and within a minute drew level when Gray got the ball just before the keeper and poked it home from 6 yards. No more chances and into extra time

the last change saw S.Graham on for Burton. Extra time saw chances for both teams but 5 minutes in the home team regained the lead when a through ball found the striker at least 3 yards offside. No whistle and he finished well. Back came Airdrie and drew level for a third time when good play down the left released pardoe and his cross to the back post somehow found the top far corner of the goal. However just before half time the home team went 4-3 up. A ball played into the box was clearly handled by a home player. But again no whistle and the same player then composed himself flicked the ball over an Airdrie player and volleyed home from 12 yards. Edgar then forced the home keeper into a great save that was touched over the bar. Into the second period and Airdrie went all out for an equaliser. In doing so they were leaving themselves open at the back and Rowan had to look sharp 3 or 4 times as Bannerman looked to kill the tie. However Airdrie battled till the end and with a minute left Edgar volleyed what looked like the equaliser only for a home defender to make a great clearance with his head.

A fine contest from both team’s lots of chances, good play, mistakes, some meaty tackles and good goalkeeping. Bannerman overall just shaded it but had to work really hard for the win. We wish them all the best in the next round. For Airdrie a performance that was a hundred times better than last week. Good effort, commitment, good passing, especially in the first half. Some fine individual displays and can take some positives from the game. Lastly a mention to the ref who I thought had a good game. Got most things right except for the third banner man goal and the shocking tackle by the number 14 on Torrens which he admitted he missed.