AIRDRIE UTD

Airdrie started the game at a ferocious pace and had three good chances in the first five minutes, the pick of which saw a dangerous Coyle cross narrowly evade the onrushing Vareille. Things settled down a bit as Accies finally caught up with the pace of the game, albeit breifly. Docherty neutralised himself by foolishly getting booked for a scything tackle very early on.

Airdrie looked very composed defensively. Scott Wilson had another colossol game in central defence, McGowan looked like he was made in the same mould as Stewart,Sandison and Jack, whilst Lovering is proving to be a very capable defender. Dunn, Coyle, Gow and McLaren continued to link well to mesmerise the Accies rearguard throughout. Vareille had a few half chances to continue his scoring form but it wasn't his night. A lively first half saw one particularly impressive effort where he lifted the ball rightfooted over Hodge's head but the left foot volley on the drop screwed wide of the far post. Magnificent skill that would have been a goal of the season contender.

Airdrie made the breakthrough just before the break. From a short corner on the right, McLaren, the taker, again picked up the loose ball and hooked a very dangerous ball overhead, deep into the packed six yard box for the ever alert Owen Coyle to stab home. Minutes after the break it was again McLaren who set up Coyle, this time with a defence splitting run inside the right back to free Coyle on the left of the box to rifle home at the near post in style. Coyle was quick to take credit but soon acknowledged his impressive young counterpart. McLaren continuted to torment the Accies but it took another twenty minutes for Coyle to complete the hat-trick. Again, Coyle picked up a loose ball about 25 yards out, McLaren swept into the channel but after feigning the pass, Coyle went outside, spotted the keeper off the line, and chipped a truly wonderful shot over the goalie and inside the far post.

Hamilton, to their credit didn't give up (thanks too to woeful, out of shape and out of touch referee Willie Young) and did get a few shots in and some dangerous corners, but McGeown and his defence stood firm.