Airdrie were a somewhat refreshing blend of old and new. From the last Airdrieonians team we had Sandy himself, Lee Gardner, Paul Ronald, Steve Docherty and half time sub Paul Armstrong. Former Diamonds, Jimmy Boyle, Paul Harvey, Marvellous Marvyn Wilson, David McGuire and Paul McGrillen were there too. The new faces included Willie McVey, Simon Vella, Kenny Brannigan, Mark McGeown and Martin Glancy.

Airdrie had the better of possession during the game and had a host of chances. Early on Lee Gardner had a good shot from the edge of the box and Marvyn Wilson just over ran the ball when clean through. Rovers were limited to a few long range efforts from the deadly boot of Jered Stirling, and a slack knock down from our defender Simon Vella.

Airdrie, as predicted, played a familiar looking 352 formation. Giant centre backs Brannigan and Vella flanked sweeper Stewart. Boyle, Gardner, Docherty and left wing back McVey held a midfield line from which Wilson played just in front of. Up front wee frontman Glancy partnered the gangly Paul Ronald. The defence and goalie looked strong without really being troubled. Boyle helped the team keep the correct shape without really being involved in the game. McVey was perpetual motion on the left flank and was a breath of fresh air after a season of Tony Smith. Surprisingly Gardner was our most creative outlet and was well backed up by Docherty's more defensive play. Wilson probed without getting out of second gear. Up front Ronald started well but drifted. Glancy though was hard working, direct and really held play up well.

The main observation of myself and many around us was that goals may be hard to come by. Throughout the game the midfield looked more likely to score, but Lee Gardner will only get a handfull at the very most and that's being kind. Glancy looks like a ten a season man in a good team and Ronald looks unlikely to get half a dozen. Subs McGrillen and McGuire are hardly prolific, so it will be interesting to see how wee Sandy tackles that problem. I'd say go out and nab Brian McPhee from Hamilton but these things are easier said than done!

The second half followed the same pattern as the first but with many different faces. Harvey replaced Wilson at half time. During the course of the half midfielder Craig Taggert replaced Sandy, with Docherty moving to sweeper, Armstrong replaced Boyle with both players receiving a raptourous applause, McGuire replaced Glancy, McGrillen replaced Ronald to little applause (?), Willie Wilson (who I think was a full back with Dumbarton and East Fife) replaced the energetic McVey, and youngster Peter Cherry replaced the revitalised Robert Lee Gardner. We also had a change of Goalie late on but I didn't catch his name. As you get with so many new faces one or two stick out and the last sub Cherry looked a fine wee player and his attempted bicycle kick was the late highlight of the second half.

All in all it was great to get out to see a game of football again. The badge may have changed, the name may have changed, but it's definitely our Airdrie still. There seemed to be more effort from the club to make and impression and long may that continue.

Airdrie (3:5:2);

Mark McGeown (GK): Wasn't troubled so it's hard to judge. Did any little things he was asked without fuss

Kenny Brannigan (Def): Despite his advancing years, he looked capable of being a brick wall for us. Big and unsubtle, just what we'll need.

Sandy Stewart: Unflustered as usual at sweeper. Do I need to say more?

Simon Vella: Only 22, the big (6'2") Londoner played to Sandy's left and looked capable of replacing Kevin James. Let's hope we can keep him. He was strong and steady throughout though he looked a bit raw next to Brannigan and Stewart, but who wouldn't?

Jimmy Boyle (RWB): Back after a seven year absence he has lost a fair bit of zip, but used his experience well to keep the shape Sandy wanted.

Willie McVey (LWB): The 20 year old left wing back had a mostly impressive display. He showed great pace and ability in progressing down the left wing. His crossing could be worked on but overall he'd be a very welcome addition to our team.

Lee Gardner (Mid): A surprisingly impressive display from last season's whipping boy. Could he be ready to make us (me especially) eat our words?

Marvin Wilson (Mid): Still only 28, Marvin is still the same player that left three years ago. Would be a great addition to our squad.

Steve Docherty (Mid): Looked very composed as a more holding midfielder then comfortably stepped back into the sweeper position later on. Looking like a would be captain if he can stay injury free. At only 26 he has a lot to offer after last years inconsistency. Bear in mind that Sandy himself was injury prone at that age and is still giving us great service.

Martin Glancy (Str): Like McVey, Glancy would have impressed most of the fans who were seeing him for the first time as he worked tirelessly up front. His strength was coming deep and making space for himself while holding up play. He seemed to have good feet but there will be question marks over his ability to get a regular supply of goals. He ballooned a decent effort over after doing the hard work in this one.

Paul Ronald (Str): He had some good touches early on but faded badly. He'll really have to impress if he gets further chances but I doubt he can get the neccessary goals. C'mon big man, prove us wrong!

SUBS:

Paul Harvey (Mid): Came on for Wilson at half-time and played a bit deeper than I remember him doing before he left for Raith seven years ago. He had some typically lacsadasical touches and showed some typically inventive possession play too. I think him and Gardner in the same team is a bit much as they are too similar. On pedigree Harvey has the edge, but on Saturday Gardner was the more impressive. Good to see him back though.

Paul Armstrong (RWB): A fan favourite now, Paul replaced Boyle early in the second half and immediately laid claims for a starting berth with some powerful wing play.

Craig Taggert (Mid): A former Airdrie target, Taggert has plenty experience and played reasonably well. He would be a solid addition to the squad.

David McGuire (Str): It was great to see wee Quack back where he belongs and his inventive play deserved more end product after he replaced Glancy with half an hour left. Hopefully he'll sign and we'll be out our seats shouting 'penalty' quite regularly this season. He didn't seem to link too well with Ronald though.

Paul McGrillen (Str): Replace Ronald and did make an impression. His best contributions came down the left flank where he can provide quality passes into the box.

Cherry, Wilson and the sub goalie. I may be getting some of these guys mixed up, but I think Willie Wilson is a former East Fife and Dumbarton full back. He came on for McVey late on at left wing back, but he was right footed, so had to check back constantly to cross. Didn't stop Sandy Stewart playing in two cup finals and Europe I hear you say! Wilson (if it is him) looked a fit enough player who could provide cover on either flank. Peter Cherry (hopefully) came on for Gardner late on and immediately impressed. I have no information on him but whilst warming up he looked like a Paul Jack clone which earned him the nickname 'son of Jack'. When he came into the game on the right of the midfield three he was powerful, pacy and direct. He didn't look very old but I was immediately thinking that his powerful running was reminiscint of Neil MacFarlane last season. He had an ambitious scissor kick late on in the game. I didn't catch (pardon the pun) the sub goalies name and I can't remember him having anything to do during the game.