Woodhall Thistle 4-2 AS Airdrie

By Neil Brown
November 10 2007

Woodhall Thistle 4-2 AS Airdrie (aet)

Airdrie undeservedly went out of the national cup today after an extra time defeat.

Airdrie didn't get off to the best of starts and were behind on 10 minutes, Woodhall taking advantage of some loose marking to create space for a shot in to Rowan's bottom right corner. However as with last week Airdrie got to grips with the game and won the midfield battle again, Gray and Clark worked hard up top but didn't have too many chances of note. Airdrie equalised on the stroke of half time as Smith and Edgar fought forthe ball they won a throw in on the right which was launched in to the box and fell for Clark who rattled the ball home from 15 yards.

Second half Airdrie started strongly and kenny Pardoe had a chance to score after working himself into the area however the keeper manged to get a foot to the ball and divert it away from goal. Airdrie took the lead after Clark, who had signalled to come off with a groin strain,  won a header and Gray set up Edgar for the finish ( sorry I missed that one) Clark was immediately replaced by Capaldi for the last 25 minutes. Airdrie were coping well and with eight minutes to go replaced N.Pardoe with Milne to try and freshen up the legs however before they could settle in to the change Woodhall equalised with a flicked header from a crossball. The game ended 2-2 and Airdrie lost Stewart to work commitments for the 30 minutes of Extra time. Scott Graham came on in place of Stewart for Airdrie's final change which cost dearly as Edgar was crocked midway through the first period of extra time and the lads had to hold on with 10 men. Woodhall got there third from another throw in which was flicked on from the byeline and they reacted quickest to fire the ball past Rowan. Into the second half and Airdrie were still in the game although it was a tough ask to get the goal back with a man short. Woodhall got a fourth from a decent strike from the sub after they got men over on Airdrie's Right side. Airdrie plugged away and had 3 decent chances to get something back firstly good running from Gray saw him tee up Scott Graham whoose first time volley was well saved, Gray and K Pardoe exchanged passes and Gray blazed over before Ross graham got himself into the are but a tired shot was easily dealt with by the home keeper.

A dissapointing end to a tie that Airdrie could and should have had wrapped up in the first game however we live or die by our decisions and in Hindsight the late change should not have been made but we learn from it and move on to the West of Scotland cup next week and these challenges can only help us when we resume league duty.

Smith was superb in midfield again Stewart and Murray having decent games at the back bgut i'm going to opt for Andy Edgar as Today's MOM for his energy and drive, very unlucky to pick up the calf knock in extra time a real blow to airdrie's chances.

Rowan

Murray Cooper Stewart

N.Pardoe Smith K.Pardoe Edgar R.Graham

Gray Clark

Capaldi for Clark (65)

Milne for N.Pardoe (82)

S.Graham for Stewart (90)

Johnstone