Blochairn Star 2-4 AS Airdrie

The first half was evenly contested and Blochairn had more of the ball and passed it well using their full backs to good effect but Airdrie were playing some good stuff on the counter. After 20 Minutes the home team took the lead when a corner was not defended properly and the number 10 took advantage with a finish from 6 yards. Airdrie drew level a minute later when the Star keeper fumbled the ball and Neil Pardoe nicked it back to Gray for a tap in. Both teams had chances to regain the lead before half time with Gray twice and Edgar denied by the keeper then Ross Graham with a fine clearance off the line from a hughes effort.

No changes from both sides saw the second half not even 10 minutes old when star regained the lead. A cross from the left caught Graham between two men and the defender could only deflect it into the bottom corner. Within 10 minutes Airdrie had drew level again with a quickly taken free kick which saw Star sleeping and Gray ran on and hammered a peach of a left foot strike past the keeper. The first change saw Grant on for Scott Graham who had a hard shift marking the number 17 then the number 10. Airdrie took the lead with 20 to go although they had the ref to thank as a long ball saw Gray at least 4 yards offside but no whistle and Gray ran in and calmly flicked the ball over the keeper for his hat trick. Star started to throw men forward and a few long balls were played into the box but the defending was strong and Rowan was rarely troubled. With 15 to go Clark came on for K.Pardoe. Gray nearly had a fourth when through on goal but his lob was superbly touched round the post. Within minutes Airdrie made the game safe when Gray broke through again on the left and the in form striker calmly rounded the keeper for his fourth of the game. Airdrie saw the last 10 out safely to take a valuable 3 points.

A fine all round performance with Gray taking the m.o.m with his 4 goals but excellent performances also from Murray who had a fine game especially in the second half marking danger man Hughes who had little chances throughout and Ross Graham who had one of his best games in an Airdrie shirt. With this fine win against a very good Blochairn side Airdrie should take a lot of confidance for the rest of the season especially as they are playing some good stuff into the bargain. The last fixture of the year sees airdrie play the defending Scottish cup holders in the last 64 of the WoS Cup. A good chance to gauge our progress against the best in the country.

Subs
Grant for S Graham(65)

Clark for K Pardoe (75)

Burton(unused)