Airdrie (2) v. East Fife (1): 31/3/04

AIRDRIE UTD

Airdrie took command of this game early but without really carving out that many dangerous openings. With East Fife playing a very direct, route – one type of game with plenty men behind the ball it was going to be one of those games where patience was required. Alan McManus was again on to top of his game to blunt the threat of Kenny Deuchar. Airdrie ground away at East Fife and eventually threatened their goal 10 minutes from half time. Alan Gow played a devastating one-two with Owen Coyle that had the Fifer’s defence mesmerised, then threaded another defence splitter to Martin Glancy who completely sclaffed the gift of a chance over the bar. Somehow we managed to get a corner out of it, I’m still trying to remember what happened as I’m sure it was a van Vossen type miss, but anyway, the corner was headed out to the edge of the box for Dunn to chest down and fire home a ferocious half volley that almost burst the net. One-nil. A couple of minutes before the break Alan Gow again played another succulent pass through the Fifer’s defence, this time for Willie McLaren to race clear, hold off a couple of challenges before finding the side netting. This unbelievably delicious move had the crowd gushing for more. Gow’s pass was a work of art, McLaren’s pace, ability to hold of the defence, then the deft attempted prod with the outside of his left foot, he just looks like a player destined for far greater things. I just hope he can help take Airdrie to a higher plane…

Airdrie started the second half in the same vein of form. Gow tired, but McLaren was still full of running. Glancy missed another sitter after the break when he again spooned a good chance over the bar. However McLaren had the chance to be match – winner. He was the grateful recipient of a knockdown from the hard working David Dunn ten minutes into the second half. Dunn’s headed pass landed inside the left hand corner of the 18 yard box. McLaren took the ball on the thrashed a powerful drive into the far corner of the net. I couldn’t help but notice Paul Smith, manager of Saturday’s opponents Berwick, sitting just behind us (beside Keith Wright) and boy, did he have a face like thunder. Without having any obvious psychic abilities that I know of, something just told me he was thinking “How on earth do I stop this boy?”. Or words to that effect.

Airdrie could have extended the lead but that old problem about bad decision making raised it’s ugly head again. McLaren made a break down the left and had Coyle clear through the middle just outside the box. The pass was on but McLaren decided to go alone and blazed his shot tamely wide. A mouthful from the bench and from Coyle was being administered to our young hero as the Fifer’s broke up the field. The ball seemed to go out of play on their right but the ball was played across the field for Jay Stein who unleashed a ferocious shot from 20 yards high past McGeown for the goal of the game. Instead of going three up we were being pegged back but this Airdrie side weren’t going to buckle. The fifers, in desperation, started to fly into some unnecessary challenges and were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when sub Mortimer was yellow carded for a second time for a horrendous late tackle on David Dunn. Seems to be a pattern developing here?

Another good win and strong display. Tonight you could see the strong leadership qualities down the spine of the team. McManus and McGowan at the back were again commanding. Add Lovering and you’ve got three guys you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Docherty, was in general controlling the midfield, and up front, Coyle kept everyone on their toes. Good teams have leaders on the park, and we have no shortage. However the highlight as usual was the form of McLaren, Dunn, Gow and Coyle up front. Not always electric, but when these guys all click into gear they are a joy to watch. The understanding between these four players is obvious and you’ve got to applaud their work-rate. McLaren may be getting all the attention but you won’t catch him shirking his defensive duties.