David Nixon rather surprisingly retained his starting slot in defence after a virus forced him off early last week, many thinking that Stephen McKenna would take over in central defence where he'd left off.   That meant that Airdrie would keep the same starting XI again.

From the outset Dunfermline dominated possession but without really threatening the in form Stephen Robertson's goal, certainly not in a way that Dundee had the previous game.

Airdrie's chances were few and far between, but don't go blaming strikers Lynch and Di Giacomo who both seem to be working dilligently.   Instead it looked like a major lack of quality supply and midfield support is the main problem.   Airdrie can't be accused of being negative, playing with two speedy wingers and the mobile strikers, the goals will come, maybe just a bit more quality in the final third is required.

Our free kick routines may be one area of quality that needs urgent attention.  Airdrie won free kick on the edge of the box that saw Pars midfielder Phinn booked.   The free kick though was lamentable as Airdrie managed to contrive to squander possession embarrassingly.

After the break Airdrie were quick to change things with both of the young wingers going off, with McLaughlin and debutant Brown coming on.  When Phinn was sent off for a ridiculous dive the game opened up.  Typically it was the Fifers who stepped up the efforts more, but Airdrie had a bit more quality in the form of Brown.  

The Aussie midfielder, don't be put off by the Willie Wilson hairdo, was a bundle of energy and finally provided some support to the strikers, who by now included Noble on for Lynch, but without seriously testing former Airdrieonians on-loan goalie Gallacher.

No complaining about the end result.   The ability to keep the goals column blank is a major confidence booster.   Donnelly and Robertson were again standouts.   It was a relief to see Nixon settle back down after a horror show last week which thankfully we can draw a line through due to illness.   Hazely though is still giving the ball away but surely he's good enough to keep his jersey ahead of Lovering.

Cardle remains an exciting player and MacDonald did not look out of place beside so many former SPL players in opposition but the midfield isn't firing on all cylinders.   McKenna can get forward but not often enough but poor MacDougall just isn't dealing at the moment.

McLaughlin and Brown added more experience and thrust from midfield and I'd not be surprise to see either or both starting soon.  They know they have to be box to box players and seem to be capable of doing so.  

I'm in the Lynch fan club now.   I like the way he can drop short or look for it over the top, he's working is socks off.   It will be interesting to see if a tweaking of the midfield would help he and Di Giacoylemo get on the scoresheet, it may be that bringing Noble in and using Paul in a wider position may be an option too.

Bring on the Jambos. 

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