Football: THISTLE JUST TOO PRICKLY

ANY hope of Airdrie capturing the Division One title were virtually ended when they went down to an Inverness side battling themselves to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The Lanarkshire side went into the match on the back of three straight victories over the Highland side this season but on this showing Inverness looked the hungrier for victory.

The visitors were first on the attack and a flashing 20-yard free kick from Mark Roberts brought an equally fine save from home keeper Nicky Walker.

The home side responded with Charlie Christie setting up full- back Ross Tokely on the edge of the box but the youngster's final effort carried over the crossbar.

The visitors had a let-off in the 17th minute when Allan Ferguson failed to gather an inswinging corner from Barry Robson but Grant Monro headed narrowly past with the goal gaping.Four minutes later and with the visitors' defence looking vulnerable David Bagan headed narrowly past the upright with the keeper a spectator.

Stuart Taylor came close as the visitors replied with a crisp 15- yard drive after being set up by veteran Owen Coyle.

Then 14 minutes from the interval the home side had Robson to thank when he superbly denied John Henry with a decisive clearance as the striker burst in on Walker.

The home side began the second period on the offensive and five minutes after the restart deservedly broke the deadlock.

Robson made the running when he evaded two challenges and raced to the bye-line before crossing to the far post for Martin Bavidge to side-foot home a half volley past the unprotected Ferguson.

Six minutes later a flashing 20-yard drive from Bagan carried inches wide of the far post as the home pressure continued.

A Robson drive from the edge of the box after 59 minutes beat Ferguson but carried inches wide of its target.

Seven minutes later Ferguson was called into action yet again to push away a right-foot effort from Robson.

Thirteen minutes from time a powerful running cross from Babbage gave Denis Wyness the opportunity to add the home side's second but Ferguson came off his line for a fine-angled save.

A speculative 20-yard effort from Mark Roberts seven minutes from time carried inches wide of its target as the Diamonds went in search of the elusive equaliser.

And four minutes later they came close again, this time a looping header from Taylor cannoned off the inside of the post and into Walker's arms.

But it was the home side who finished strongly and a flashing Robson effort beat Ferguson but drifted wide of its target.

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