The Stomp - Clydebank 3-3 AS Airdrie

Clydebank United 3-3 AS Airdrie

After a two-month break Airdrie finally got back to action in what turned out to be an entertaining game away to Clydebank United.

The opening exchanges were a little slow with both sides looking rusty from the lay off. Clydebank had a couple of long range efforts off target and Kenny Pardoe was unlucky with a chip shot that just cleared the bar, However Airdrie thought they had struck first as Gray was deemed to be offside as he tapped in the rebound from Kenny Pardoe’s parried effort. It was to be the home side who took the lead after 30 minutes as slack play in Airdrie’s half gifted possession to Clydebank’s number 10 who delivered a good cross into the box for the other wide midfielder to hammer home the opener from 12 yards. Airdrie should have been awarded a penalty at the other end as Pardoe goal side of the defence and was brought down on the edge of the box this time the referee decided it was accidental from the home defender. Airdrie were rocked again soon after as the goal scorer whipped in a cross from the right, Rowan seemed to be impeded but managed to claw it away from the six yard box but it fell kindly for a home player who turned the ball into the bottom corner. Airdrie responded well and Capaldi took the game to the Bankie’s and fashioned a couple of efforts but not enough to trouble the home keeper. A Two nil deficit at half time seemed harsh but Clydebank took their chances and Airdrie felt a couple of decisions didn’t go their way.

The second half saw Airdrie determined to get back into the game and right from the kick off had an effort on goal. Clydebank couldn’t match Airdrie’s midfield for a spell and Edgar Smith Shaw and Capaldi dominated the possession. Airdrie pulled one back after 5 minutes, Kenny Pardoe found space at the back post to tuck home Capaldi’s cross. Airdrie were on the up and for a while Clydebank lost their shape as Airdrie created more and more. Edgar fired in a 20-yard rocket that the keeper brilliantly turned away. Then Shaw broke through on the right and caused panic in the 6-yard box as Gray the keeper and the defender all tussled for the ball it broke to Capaldi who seemed certain to score only for the full back to make a superb stop on the goal line. Airdrie pressure finally paid off when Pardoe struck again after 20 minutes. More good play from Edgar and Capaldi led to Airdrie pressing deep inside the Clydebank half, with lots of bodies in the way Pardoe found the bottom corner with a swerving drive to level the game. The game settled down again afterwards and Clydebank made a change which almost saw them regain the lead a quick throw found the sub and Rowan had to be smart to turn the effort round the post. Airdrie made three quick changes with Ross Graham replacing Scott Graham in defence Brady & Clark replacing the front two of Gray and Pardoe. Airdrie almost let their hard work go to waste as the sub again found space at the back post this time and fired a cracking shot off the bar. Airdrie looked to have completed the turnaround with a third goal 5 minutes from time. After a set play wasn’t properly cleared Shaw found space in the box and his effort took a bounce and looped over the keeper for what should have been the winner. Not to be as Airdrie shot themselves in the foot 2 minutes later as Smith’s slack pass sent Clydebank's forward clear on goal and he smashed a left foot shot past Rowan to tie the game at 3-3.

Time to take a breath after an excellent game from both sides, Airdrie however should have had enough to see the game out after a tremendous fight back. But confidence should be high after this display and when we are on game we should be able to compete in all our forthcoming fixtures. Notable performances today from the entire midfield, Kenny Pardoe with two excellent finishes and Jamie McCall with another

solid display at full Back however it was Andy Edgar who picks up a deserved MOM award always driving the team forward and demanding more from each and every player.

Rowan

McCall Cooper S.Graham N.Pardoe

Shaw Edgar Smith Capaldi

K.Pardoe Gray

R.Graham for S.Graham (75)

Brady for Gray (75)

Clark for K.Pardoe (80)

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