AS Airdrie 1-0 Greenbank United
By Neily
March 11 2006
Airdrie started this league match with a 4-4-2 formation with starting places going to Atkin up front and Hendrie at right back
Hendrie Cooper Drummond N.Pardoe
Gray Edgar R.Graham Walker
Clark Atkin
Airdrie started the game well and created a chance right at the start of the game but were unable to take advantage. As the game wore on Greenbank began to come in to things and #8 created an opening for himself and let fly a shot from 25 yards which Rowan turned over the bar. Greenbank may feel a wee bit aggreived when slack defending allowed them to work an opening and with the striker in on goal Hendrie was there to cover his colleagues but slipped just as he was poised to make the tackle and landed with ball to arm. The game opened up for both teams as the half drew nearer and some superb passing between Walker and Atkin saw the wide man break free, however with only Graham in the box the cross eluded him and the chance was gone. Not to be outdone, again the #8 stepped on to the ball and unleashed another pile driver which cracked the bar and away to safety much to Airdrie's releif.
Second half saw no changes and both teams set about it again with all to play for. On the hour mark the impessive Atkin made way and S.Graham replaced gray on the right who moved into a more familiar role up top and wasnt long in getting involved, a good move down the right saw Gray released into the box and even on the weaker left foot managed a clean stirke on goal. The game swayed both ways and Airdrie rolled the last dice after 75 mins switching to 3-5-2 and K.Pardoe & Johnstone replacing Walker & N.Pardoe
Within minutes Airdrie took the lead, form a corner K.Pardoes first effort was low and easilt cleared but at the expense of another corner, This time however Pardoe got it spot on with a superb cross right on to Coopers incoming run and the big defender gave the keeper no chance with a trade mark header 5 yards out. Airdrie reshuflled back to 4-4-2 and saw out the last 10 minutes for a wel earned 3 points. Credit to Greenbank who fought all the way and have lots to play for with a Cup Final next week and first division survival high on there agenda. The game was played in the right manner with only the one booking for slightlhy late challenge from the #8 on Gray.
Subs
S.Graham for Atkin K.Pardoe for N.Pardoe Johnstone for Walker Arbuckle Burton Trench