AIRDRIE UNITED

Airdrie didn't have the best of the first period. Shooting downhill there was simply too much distance between the defence and the forwards. Jerome and Dosser worked hard up front but their options were usually limited against a very competent Brechin back three. Defensively Airdrie pretty much played five against three. We contained Brechin's threat well enough but were slow to get forward. Armstrong and Scott Wilson in particular were playing impressively and gave very little away. Both players tackled and headed aggresively, well marshalled by the gaffer. On the wings we were weak though. Willie Wilson was holding out on the right wing but I can't remember him crossing the halfway line. He was doing a job. On the other flank Liam McVey was constantly taking pelters about his defending, or lack of, whilst going forward he was just a little more comfortable. McVey claimed to have taken a head knock that left him feeling dizzy and ultimately replaced at the interval. The only real highlight, if it can be called that, was a dreadful tackle for Brechin midfielder Kevin Fotheringham. With shorts that would have fitted Shallow Hal's bird it's fair to say that the beefy player was able to throw some weight into the challenge that left Marvyn in a heap and a touchline battle between Kenny Black and the aptly named Dick Campbell. It's hard to believe that Fotheringham is the same player who scored those FOUR goals in the 1994 youth cup final for Rangers at Broomfield.

Airdrie made a few changes in the second half with McGowan on for McVey. Willie Wilson went to left back and Armstrong went into an attacking role on the right of midfield with McGowan moving into central defence. With almost immediate effect Airdrie were now an attacking force. Armstrong in particular was constantly raiding down the right touchline. Shortly after halftime Armstrong and McKeown combined down the right and Dosser's cross to the back post was destined for Varielle but the Frenchman was hauled down for a penalty. McKeown stepped up but his weak penalty was comfortably saved by former Diamond, Dodgy Thomson, in the Brechin goal. Airdrie still threatened and had another chance cleared off the goal line before Gow threaded a fine through ball for Vareille. Vareille held his line this time and was clear through on the goalie. Before you could say "He'll miss this", Stevie McKeown was level and screaming at him to lay it off. Dosser didn't need a second chance to slot home for the games only goal. Both teams pushed on looking to score but Airdrie were by far the more resolute and held out for a convincing win based on our improved second half performance.