By Neil Brown
August 31 2007

AS Airdrie 2-1 Shawbridge

Airdrie picked up there first league win of the season with a well earned 2-1 victory. For the first time I can recall we were able to field the same team two games running after the fine display against Tynecastle in the league cup.

Rowan

Murray Cooper Stewart

N.Pardoe Smith K.Pardoe Edgar R.Graham

Clark Gray

Airdrie started brightly with plenty possesion in the early stages without really creating too many chances, However as Shawbridge tried to get forward Airdrie broke away to open the scoring, Neil Pardoe with an excellent through ball for Gray to race away from his marker round the keeper and slam the ball in for his fourth goal of the season. Airdrie piled on the pressure for the rest of the first half Ross Graham hit the bar from a speculative effort and after a series of corners the same player cracked a snap shot through the outrushing defence only for the keeper to pull off an excellent save and turn the ball round the post. Shawbridge's only effort of note was a 20 yard drive from scally which flew just over Rowan's bar. The half ended 1-0 to Airdrie.

No changes at half time but that was to change as Murray's knee injury took it's toll after 55mins Burton replacing him in the back three. Shawbridge saw a bit more of the ball second half but it was Airdrie who scored a second after a soft attempt to clear from Shawbridge broke off Gray for him to again race clear of the defence, This time the srtiker drew the keeper before slotting the ball into the net Calm, Composed, Clinicall Yes it is Ally we are talking about!! Five goals in four games says it all and on that form Gray should hit the 50 club goal mark in the very near future. Shawbridge got themselves back into the game with a good run down Airdrie's right side saw Dyer strike the base of the post and as the ball broke scally fended off Graham and Burton to poke the ball home from 3 yards. irdrie were further rocked when Stewart turned his ankle and was replaced by Grant, Ross Graham dropping into the back three this time. A further injury to K.Pardoe saw Airdrie throw on Capaldi to try to releive the pressure on the home defence with Clark( who himself struggled on with a neck injury) dropping into Pardoe's midfield role. Rowan produced two excellent saves to keep Airdrie in front and a fine rearguard action from front to back saw the home side keep the lead intact till the final whistle.

Three tough games in the league thus far and we have to be happy with the unbeaten start, especially important to win our home games though and despite the injuries piling up the boys dug in to get that home win. Again good all round team performance with Smith and Edgar working the midfield and Gray with an excellent game up front worked hard the whole 90 minutes.