Sanjuan ensures Diamonds shine through protest

AYR UNITED 2

AIRDRIE 2

AIRDRIE'S turbulent times continued yesterday when 200 of their fans arrived, then refused to attend their away fixture at Somerset Park to Ayr.

The aggrieved Airdrie fans cited United chairman Bill Barr as the most prominent figure, as the club's main creditor, and they alleged he was intentionally blocking Steve Archibald's prolonged takeover attempt.

As the match wore on an away support of around 50 watched their side give everything in search of three points while their rebel fans remained in the car park, claiming their ticket money would go direct to the Airdrie fund rather than Bill Barr's pocket. Archibald, commented afterwards: "They're making their point and they make it how they want to make it. One fan sent me a cheque for #10 instead of coming to the game because of the problems with the Barr situation, but I'd prefer to talk about the game."

There wasn't much to say about the opening half, United were anything but in the early exchanges and throughout the first 45. Last weekend's capitulation to Inverness was probably still playing in the players' minds and Airdrie took advantage as both David Fernandez and Jesus Sanjuan came extremely close to opening the scoring after long- range efforts.

With Pat McGinlay suspended and top scorer Glenn Hurst awaiting an imminent move to Stockport County, from the stands, there was little cheer expressed from the home support. Their discontent was clear as early as the fourth minute when they directed abusive chants towards the manager, Gordon Dalziel.

It didn't help matters that the only action of note involving his side in the opening half was the departure of the injured Eddie Annand, and the fans' dismay became most palpable when Fabrice Moreau headed home Paul Armstrong's cross shortly before the interval.

Dalziel, understandably upset with criticism of his managerial record, rallied his players at the break and they levelled just three minutes after the restart.

James Grady beat the offside trap with a splendid reverse pass unleashing Gary Teale down the right, the speedy forward composed himself before smashing past Broto.

Before the Somerset faithful were allowed a justifiable period of celebration they found themselves behind once more as Airdrie stormed forward from kick-off and snatched a corner.

Lurking on the cusp of the penalty area Sanjuan met a defensive header with a walloping half volley into Craig Nelson's top right- hand corner.

The home side immediately mounted several attacks and opportunities were being created. In the 56th minute United drew level again.

Goalscorer Teale provided a swerving free-kick which was knocked down at the far post by David Craig for Paul Lovering to convert his first goal since his arrival in the summer.

However, the visitors almost stole the honours when Sanjuan struck another tremendous drive - this time from 30 yards - but Nelson managed to claw it over the bar.

It ensured there were no winners in a contest which saw Airdrie secure a point both inside and outside Somerset Park.

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