By Neil Brown
November 18 2007

EK Rolls Royce 1-2 AS Airdrie

Airdrie advanced to the 4th round of the West of Scotland Cup with an excellent away win. Airdrie travelled with a 14 man squad and lined up in usuall 3-5-2.

Rowan

Milne Stewart Murray

N.Pardoe Smith Edgar K.Pardoe R.Graham

Gray Capaldi

EK started brightly with a strong wind behind them and looked to be a decent passing side and held possesion well, however it was Airdrie who had the first of the chances with both Capaldi and Gray missing narrowly. The game swung from end to end an despite the conditions it was a really good game to watch. Airdrie created a few half chances and EK didn't relly trouble Rowans goal but an entertaining first half none the less.

Airdrie took control at the start of the second half and took the lead with a wonderful move which Ross Graham started deep in his own half, he moved the ball forward to Capaldi and continued his charge up the left flank,Credit to Capaldi who took the ball in to feet and completely sold the centre half with a brilliant turn he then slotted the ball inside the full back straight to Graham's feet a stride later and the wing back fired a low shot across the keeper and found the bottom right hand corner. Airdrie had EK on the ropes and were looking for a killer second goal but it was the home side who were to strike next in bizarre fashion! after clearing away a set piece Airdrie had controll of the ball on the half way line, Murray mad a comment to referee who blew his whistle booked Murray and awarded a free kick on the edge of Airdrie box, As Airdrie protested and asked for a reason for the free kick when the ball was a clear 30 yards from where the kick was given EK got on with things and took there free kick short,the striker found himself in the box unmarked and slotted under Rowan. Airdrie's players and staff were furious with the referee who took the superior attitude and refused to explain himself. Airdrie had a sloppy spell after this as they tried to get there heads in the game but soon took the battle to EK who were clearly not up for it as much as Airdrie were. More good play down the left led to Airdrie's winner, Capaldi squared the ball across the box for Gray who stepped over the ball following Neil Pardoe's shout and he made no mistake sweeping a shot over the keeper from just inside the box, no more than Airdrie deserved. Morrison replaced Murray with 20 minutes left as Airdrie tried to close the game off. EK threw men forward but Airdrie's back three dealt with everything and Rowan showed good hands on a few occasions to hold crossballs and make no mistakes. Airdrie found space as EK pushed forward and Gray had a couple of chances to kill the game but fired at the keeper twice. Kenny Pardoe smashed the bar with a free kick which Capaldi had won when clean through. Airdrie saw out the game and go on to the fourth round a trully well deserved victory with excellent performances across the boards with Edgar Smith and Stewart continuing there fine form,Milne with his best game yet in an Airdrie shirt, Capaldi who's hold up play is essential to the way Airdrie play and of course the two wing backs Ross Graham and Neil Pardoe who had excellent games today thelatter of which earns my award for MOM this week.

Back to league business next week and we hope we can take our cup form into that and get up the table.