Drumchapel Umited 5-1 AS Airdrie

By N.Brown
January 5 2008

Drumchapel 5 AS Airdrie 1


Last years scottish cup winners proved far too strong for Airdrie in the fourth round of the west of scotland cup a fine goal from Gray was Airdrie's only consolation in a tough match that had Airdrie chase the ball for long periods.

Airdrie made one change to the side which beat Blochairn with Cooper in for the unwell Murray

Right from the start of the game you got the feeling it was going to be a long day when Drumchapel took kick off and then kept the ball for 5 minutes. Airdrie couldn’t get near them and the home team’s passing and movement was a joy to watch. It was no surprise when they took the lead after 10 minutes. From there Rowan kept Airdrie in the game with 3 or 4 good saves but was helpless when Drumchapel scored a second via a deflection of Scott Graham. For Airdrie Gray fired just wide then Capaldi nearly sneaked in at the back post. But that was all from Airdrie as the home side had two more goals rightly chalked of for offside. Half time 2-0

No changes but a change in formation from our 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 in an attempt to shut down their three strikers who were all excellent in their movement and play.

Second half started much the same but Airdrie got a break when Ross Graham broke down an attack and fed the ball into space where Gray ran onto it and his pace took him past the last defender and he rifled a peach into the roof of the net. For the next 5 minutes Airdrie sensed a wee chance but just as they were about to make a couple of changes the home team scored two goals in a minute to finish the game off. The last 25 minutes saw Drumchapel make the entire running and create the chances and they made it 5-1 with 15 to go. They even gave themselves the luxury of missing a penalty. For Airdrie they kept at it and their discipline whereas some teams getting a roasting may have resorted to putting the boot in. In the end Drumchapel were too good and fully deserved their margin of victory.

we have played some good teams over the last 4 years including Redbrae, Milton, Blochairn but Drumchapel is the best side we have faced. Their passing, movement, fitness from all over the park was outstanding and its no wonder they have at least 3 players in the SAFA squad that played against Stenhousmiur on Tuesday night. It will take a top performance from a real good side to beat them the rest of the way and we wish them all the best for the cup.

For Airdrie it was a lesson from the first minute to the last minute but the boys kept at it and couldn’t be faulted for effort and commitment. The only disappointing thing was when we got the ball at times we gave it away badly and our passing was poor. But Drumchapel were quick to close the man down and Airdrie found there was little time allowed on the ball. But our season starts on Saturday with a difficult game away to Tynecastle who are in good form and who always prove to be hard opponents. M.o.m went to Rowan for his first half performance in keeping us in the game at half time.