The Stomp - Forest 1-2 AS Airdrie

Forest 1-2 AS Airdrie

Airdrie grab a vital 3 points with last minute winner from Capaldi after Gray had cancelled out Forest's opener.

Finally a game on! Airdrie went into the match with one change from the semi final which seems an age ago now with Clark starting upfront in place of Capaldi.

As expected 5 minutes in the pitch began to cut up badly and Airdrie's passing game was going to be tested. The first real chance came from Kenny Pardoe's low free kick which Gray stepped over but no one was on hand to tap the ball home as it slid across the line. Clark had a great chance to open the scoring when Gray broke down the left and put the ball on a plate but the big striker fired wide. Good work from Kenny Pardoe again down the left channel saw Clark with another chance but again didn't get the best connection and Gray was unlucky to hit the bar as he tried to guide Clark's header goalward.The game was really bogged down and possesion changed hands countless times as players found it hard to controll the ball in the conditions. Midway through the half the home midfield decided to have a barney with each other which was to prove costly later. As the half wore on Airdrie got caught out as Burton stepped forward to get Airdrie going, no sufficient cover from the midfield left a big gap as Airdrie lost the ball and one long punt later Stewart was caught the wrong side as he tried to plug the gap but credit to the big striker who took a cracking touch steadied himself and hammered past Rowan.

The second half pretty much mirrored the first heavy legs heavy pitch loose balls stray passes but credit both teams as they ploughed on trying to create something. Airdrie got level shortly after when Scott Graham chipped a ball across goal after a short spell of possesion and Gray was on hand to fire his 20th of the season in at the back post. Capaldi was introduced after 15 minutes replacing Clark in a straight swap, Forest had chances to get back in front but Rowan was having none of it commanding his box and pulling off a couple of top drawer saves. Forest were reduced to ten men after Rowan had pulled off another stop the striker followed in and put the boot in when Rowan clearly had a hold of the ball the same player had been involved in the earlier incident and a second yellow saw the red produced, Stewart was also booked for pushing. Grant and N.Pardoe were thrown on to freshen up with lots of legs beginning to tire but it was Forest who seemed to get the lift and found space time and again but good defending the terrible pitch and Rowan kept them out, Rowan with the save of the match clawing away a half volley from six yards out kept Airdrie in it but it seemed the game was ebbing away, With minutes left Stewart pushed up front and almost immediately N.Pardoe found him with a throw in and his cross landed at Capldi's feet in the box who swivelled and rammed the ball home to seal the win

A superb 3 points today and a lot of sore legs tonight, On a day when nobody really played well,mainly due to the pitch,but stuck to there task and ground out the win was really pleasing for the mangement. Lots of heart and commitment on show today but MOM go's to Rowan for some sound and at times brilliant goalkeeping. A long long way to go with 10 league games left but it's all to play for and we move on to Cup duties next week with a tough trip to Tynecastle in the Strathclyde cup.

Team

Rowan

Stewart Cooper Burton

S.Graham Smith K.Pardoe Edgar R.Graham

Gray Clark

Subs

Capaldi for Clark(60)

N.Pardoe for K.Pardoe(70)

Grant for S.Graham(70)

Bookmark or share this story with: