Airdrie stay on course with Taylor-made win

Airdrie 3 - Arbroath 1

AIRDRIE supporters filed into New Broomfield with a spring in their step and witnessed their side maintain their surge for promotion with a comprehensive victory against the part-timers of Arbroath.

Six months ago the Lanarkshire club looked destined for extinction, but Ian McCall now has them dreaming about playing in the SPL. It is becoming more of a reality with every match.

Having secured the Challenge Cup for the second year running the hosts began this encounter full of energy. They were gusted the lead with their first attack when Owen Coyle's innocuous cross sparked a calamitous muddle between goalkeeper Craig Hinchcliffe and Colin McKinnon, Stuart Taylor tapping the ball home from a yard out.

Shell-shocked Arbroath, yet to secure a point on their travels, looked beaten already but instead of taking advantage and driving forward, Airdrie took their foot off the pedal.

Despite the lack of urgency from both sides the visitors fashioned an equaliser of the highest quality just before the half hour. John McGlashan picked up the ball, and after an incisive one-two with Andrew Cargill, smashed a 20 yarder high into the corner of the goal.

It awakened the home players from their slumber and within two minutes they regained the lead. Neil McFarlane spotted an inviting gap in the visitors' defence and expertly threaded a through ball for striker Mark Roberts, he side-footed effortlessly at a thoroughly exposed Hinchcliffe.

John Brownlie would have been dismayed with his players' failure to capitalise after drawing level but they did apply a newfound tenacity. Steven Florence made inroads down the left flank and his dangerous cross found McKinnon's attempt to make amends roll just wide. Shortly after David McInally's corner found the head of George Rowe but Ferguson, sprawling down to his right, saved well.

It alerted the Diamonds to the precariousness of their lead and encouraged defender Craig McPherson to push forward. He rifled a vicious strike towards the top corner but was denied by an acrobatic stop.

Only 10 minutes after the restart the league leaders put the game beyond their opponents when McPherson crossed for Taylor to grab a brace with a well directed header.

As the match wore on Coyle uncharacteristically missed a sitter from 12 yards, substitute Robert Dunn's rasping drive produced an outstanding save from Hinchcliffe, and Allan McManus battered a low drive just past the upright from a free kick.

The visitors were given a glimmer of hope when referee Willie Young generously awarded an indirect free kick six yards from goal after Paul Armstrong's last ditch tackle was ruled to be a harsh pass back. With every Airdrie player on the goal-line McGlashan's shot ricocheted to safety ensuring another important home victory.

Copyright 2001
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