Inverurie 1 v. Airdrie 5 - 20/12/03

AIRDRIE UTD

And so the experience payed off! Owen Coyle got Airdrie off to a flyer with a goal inside two minutes. Paul Ronald comfortably won a flick on for Coyle to make space ten yards out on the right to easily beat the goalie. A dream start for a travelling support who demanded a comfortable win, but feared a potential embarrassment. As ever though, one goal is never enough, and despite Airdrie looking dangerous on the break Inverurie battled away looking for a break. Indeed, Mark McGeown was tested by a long range free kick midway through the half. Airdrie were playing decent football though. At the back Docherty and Black were playing well as orthodox full backs, whilst Sandy and McManus looked at ease, in general, against their lower calibre opponents. The midfield duo of Marv and Ronald never looked in trouble, though there still looks a real lack of creativity from them. Ronaldo won a lot of good headers at either end. Up front though, the 'Diamond' formation looked impressive with the link up between Roberts, Coyle and Gow outstanding at times. McKeown worked tirelessly getting back to help out his midfield whenever neccessary.

Airdrie got their seceond when Owen Coyle found space on the left to cut back for McKeown to slide home, then a few minutes later the gaffer chipped the goalie from the right hand side of the box. Quite what Sandy was doing that for forward is anyone's guess but his chipped effort (or was it actually a back post cross for Gowser?) made the game safe and sound before the interval arrived.

The second half seemed to drag on forever, thanks mainly to the unbearable conditions, but eventually Mark Roberts unleashed a powerful left footed drive for number four and finally Owen Coyle took advantage of good play from young sub Willie McLaren to fire home number five.

Inverurie did get a consolation just before the end when Mark McGeown, with possession from a pass back, dithered under pressure, and was dispossessed. A bit of a 'reddie' for McGeown who'd entertained us fans behind the goal with some long overdue banter, never mind an even rarer 'swing on the bar'. I do apologise to him for shouting "don't pass it to the goalie" next time our defence had the ball. Sorry Mark, I meant it as a wee joke!