AS Airdrie 0-2 Blochairn Star

By Neil Brown
February 11 2008

Airdrie lost the opportunity to close the gap on the league winners as they fell 2-0 at home in a poor contest between two of the better sides in the league. A penalty halfway through the first half and a goal with the last kick of the game saw star just about deserve the three points.

Due to work, injury and alcohol Airdrie had only 13 players available including myself so a changed side (especially in defence) saw Airdrie take to the field.

The first half saw little in the way of good play a Heavy Park and poor passing from both teams saw each keeper with little to do. Airdrie had 2 good chances but the final ball let them down and star had an effort cleared of the line by a great block by Burton. Blochairn took the lead when Ross Graham handled inside the box and Alexander comfortably put the penalty away. That was the difference in the first half although Alexander could count himself lucky to only get booked for a late challenge on smith. Also booked was the number 6 for dissent.ht 0-1

No changes and the second half continued in much the same way as the first with both keepers having nothing to do. Airdrie played too many long balls to Gray and Capaldi and star gave the ball away just as badly. Capaldi had the best chance but screwed the ball wide then Cooper knocked one over the bar. Blochairn sub Hughes then fired an effort by the post and forced Rowan to produce a great stop. With 12 minutes left the number 6 saw a second yellow for a late challenge then it looked like he received a straight red for comments toward the ref, however Blochairn comfortably held out with 10 men and a free kick in the last 30 seconds saw number 17 win a header inside the box which fell to the unmarked Hughes who had an easy finish to clinch the victory.

In the end Blochairn probably shaded it and picked up a great three points but that was the poorest game I have watched between the two sides in the 7 games we have played. A combination of a bad park, lack of football and a ref who was up and down with his decisions played a part but a lot of bad play and passing was involved as well. For Airdrie too many didn’t perform and the guys know it. With a semi final next week and guys available next week who were absent Neil and Humo have some tough decisions to make. Airdrie are still involved in the league but, despite having 6 games in hand over Blochairn, 20 points is a big gap to close. m.o.m for me today would be Rowan (despite having little to do) as it would be hard to single out any outfield player as having a particularly good game.

Rowan

Burton Cooper R.Graham

S.Graham Smith K.Pardoe Edgar Grant

Gray Capaldi

Subs

Milne for Burton (70)

MacFarlane for S.Graham (80)