By N.Brown
November 3 2008

AS Airdrie 4-1 Riverside

Airdrie Advance to the quarter final stage after home win at craigneuk park.

Airdrie took an early lead through Ally gray, Scott Lindsay picked up a poor clearance and drove into the Riverside half and slipped a tidy pass in to Gray's run, Gray held off the defensive challenge and slotted the ball past the keeper. After such a good start Airdrie failed to take advantage and Riverside came more into the game as the half wore on. They deservedly equalised after a long spell of pressure, Airdrie again looking like a team who haven't kicked a ball in a few weeks. Airdrie managed to get a foothold back in the game and kenny pardoes whipped corner was missed at the front post and as the ball bobbled around the 6 yard box neil Pardoe tapped home from close range. Gray was harshly booked for complaining after copping an elbow to the face the culprit receiving the same punishment. Gray exacted revenge and stretched Airdrie's lead further late in the half, Riverside lost possesion and as Airdrie closed in kenny pardoe's strike seemed to be heading wide but struck the base of the post with the keeper tying himself in knots Gray was there to poke it into the net.

Second half became a scrappy affair, Riverside had plenty ball but couldn't find a way past Rowan. By the same token Neil Pardoe and Matt Brown were enjoying good games on the flanks but little else was happening in the shape of chances. Scott Lindsday made a chance for himself but the keeper saved well and at the other end Rowan had to look sharp to tip a good drive round the post. Ross Graham replaced Smith with 20 to go and Airdrie wrapped up the points soon after. kenny Pardoe drifted wide and collected the ball, Riveside failed to get goal side and the striker cut inside and passed the ball into the bottom corner for his 50th club goal. Leishman replaced Edgar for the last 10 and Airdrie saw the game out.

Not a great display but enough to get through and in cup ties thats all that matters, A tough quarter final awaits away to Clydebank United but it's a chance to reach the semi finals for the third time in 5 years.

MOM Neil Pardoe

Rowan

Burton Cooper Clark

M.Brown Edgar Smith Lindsay N.Pardoe

Gray K.Pardoe

R.Graham for Smith(70)

Leishman foe Edgar(80)