Airdrie 0 Vs. 2 Ross County
2006 - 2007

Tough tackling Ross County came to Airdrie and took all three points home to the Highlands.
Airdrie seemed to be caught by surprise as we struggled to match the ferocity of the Ross County team, our much-heralded passing game of pre-season seemed to have been forgotten.
Early in the game, Bryan Prunty and Gary Twigg came close with headers but that was very much against the run of play.
On twenty-three minutes, Ross County took the lead. Kevin McKinley knocked a corner from on loan Celtic youngster and Scotland under 19's player, Michael Gardyne, in to the back of the net.
McKinley should have received a yellow card for a deliberate handball; Underhill, should probably be applauded for realising it was a free kick at least.
Two minutes later McKinley did go in to the referee’s book, for a late challenge on Stephen McKeown. So two possible bookings in five minutes, should have seen McKinley walk.
Late in the first half Ross County had the chance to make it two, but when Airdrie born Sean Higgins chose to pass the ball to Don Cowie, instead of shooting in to an empty net the Airdrie United fans sighed in relief as Mark Smyth managed to get back and cleared the ball.

There were no changes made at half time for Airdrie United and the match continued as the first half finished.

After five minutes of the re-start Ross County were to extend their lead and force Airdrie United manager Sandy Stewart to change his tactics.
The Second goal was scored after a Derek Adams pass split the Airdrie United defence, it allowed Michael Gardyne to go around Airdrie keeper Robertson before he slotted home for Ross Counties second.
Sandy brought on Stewart Taylor to replace Stephen McKenna and pushed him in to midfield, but even that did not help us, as the ball still seemed to be by passing the midfield.
We huffed and we puffed but it was too late, Ross County sat back and soaked up all the pressure before trying to hit us on the counter attack.

Just to keep the theme of Underhill’s poor performance going, he booked Brian Prunty late in the second half for staying on his feet while running in to the box.
The game went on like this until John Underhill blew the final whistle.
In conclusion, Airdrie were out Airdrie’d. In times past we would have been the team bullying, fighting and battling teams in to making mistakes, instead we were left floundering unable to play the passing game Sandy has instilled in the squad.

Update by Chris Mac