AS Airdrie 2-3 Clydebank Utd

By Neil Brown
December 16 2008

AS Airdrie 2 Clydebank Utd 3

Airdrie lost their first league game of the season in an entertaining game against the team who knocked them out of the league cup 3 weeks ago

with only 12 players available from a squad of 21 the manager was left with few options. Ross Graham went in goal for the ill rowan and Leishman and Scott were in for Torrens and brown with Andy Slevin the only sub.

The first 15-20 was all Clydebank as they caused Airdrie lots of problems and deservedly took the lead after 20.only a fine save by Graham kept Airdrie in the game. However a change in formation saw Lindsay push further up the park and the home team gradually started to get on top and drew level with a strike from cooper. Just as Airdrie had their best spell of the first half they gave away a rash free kick and the Clydebank player hammered it into the bottom corner. Within 5 minutes it was 3-1 when the number 17, who gave us problems in the last game, struck a great shot that flew by graham in the Airdrie goal. Just before half time Scott forced the away keeper into a good save.

No changes at half time but a tactical switch saw Scott and Pardoe change positions to stop the number 7 who caused all sorts of problems with his pace.

The change seemed to make a difference as for the first 20 Airdrie were on top as clydebank struggled to get going and within 15 pulled a goal back when gray neatly flicked the ball into the net from 8 yards although Lindsay, who delivered the cross. Looked offside. Airdrie probably should have had a penalty moments later when it looked like gray was barged over in the box but the referee waved away the claims. As the half progressed and the game opened up the away team could have scored 2 or 3 more as they caught Airdrie on the break and only good play from graham in goals and some solid goal line defending kept the game at 3-2.slavin came on for Leishman with 20 left and nearly drew Airdrie level but the ball fell to his left side and the chance was lost. At the other end graham pulled of the save of the game when he blocked a bullet of a header from 6 yards. Right at the end slevin's cross from the right somehow eluded the keeper only to hit the bar then bounce off gray for a goal kick. Final score 3-2

a cracking game with goals, some good play, a few challenges and in the end clydebank probably did enough to merit the 3 points although the game was a lot closer than the cup tie 3 weeks ago. As I stated after the last game Clydebank will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, for Airdrie a valiant effort with 12 men and only 1 striker from 5 possible options. With at least 5 starters missing through a number of reasons neily had a hard task and when you play the better teams in the league you need as many of your best players available for selection and if we are to mount a challenge this year then we need more than 12 every Saturday. With shawbridge away this week we will need to be ready for a difficult game as they hammered unbeaten nc utd 7-1 away from home.m.om. For me would be r graham for a fine game standing in for rowan

team

R.Graham

Burton Cooper N.Pardoe

Scott Edgar Smith Lindsay Leishman

Gray Clark

Slevin for Leishman (70)