Airdrie United 3 - 0 Raith Rovers
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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Airdrie United secured an impressive 3-0 home victory over Raith Rovers at New Broomfield on Saturday to close the gap on league leaders Ross County to just three points. Goals from Darren Smith, Bryan Prunty and Allan Russell earned Airdrie their first three points of the season against John McGlynn’s men, putting the Diamonds just one point behind the Fifers with a game in hand.
In fairness, the scoreline flattered Airdrie and it could have been so much difference had Raith been more clinical in the first half, but the performances are gradually improving and we do seem to be turning the corner.
Allan Russell, who had so nearly joined Kilmarnock on transfer deadline day, had the first chance of the match and really should have been done better from an excellent Darren Smith cross. Raith then missed two guilt edge chances, the first hitting the inside of the post and the second brilliantly cleared of the line by captain Paul Lovering. Worryingly, the chances were created far too easily and Raith really should have taken the lead.
Airdrie were much improved after the break and took the lead with an excellent crisp drive from Smith. Raith then self-destructed with two dreadful pieces of defending gifting goals first for Bryan Prunty and later Allan Russell.
In fairness, the result did flatter Airdrie but it is one which will give the players confidence and with Ross County’s fixture problems mounting up, we are by no means out of the title race yet.
Airdrie United 3 - 0 Raith Rovers
Booked: Lovering, Prunty, Andreoni.
Goals: Smith 50, Prunty 68, Russell 75
Airdrie Utd: Robertson, McKenna, Lovering, McDonald, Smyth, Donnelly, Smith, Andreoni (Holmes 85), Russell (Watt 89), Noble, Waddle (Prunty 46). Subs Not Used: Campball, Hollis.
Att: 1,252
Player Ratings:
Robbo - didn’t have a lot to do in truth, but didn’t do anything wrong (6/10)
Smyth - decent performance, but not a standout (6/10)
Lovering - goaline clearance at 0-0 could have changed the game, very solid performance from the captain (7/10)
McKenna - didn’t put a foot wrong, another accomplished performance from much improving defender (8/10)
Donnelly - was too easily beaten for Raith’s first half chances (6/10)
Smith - obviously read the Killie match report as this was much better. For the first time, he took players on and put in dangerous crosses, one of our better players and took his goal well. Keep it up! (7/10)
Waddell - went off injured at half time, but contributed little again (5/10)
McDonald - again, took a lot of stick from the “experts” in the stand, but didn’t hide and played some great passes (6/10)
Andreoni - better, but still settling into the team (6/10)
Noble - didn’t do much in the first half, but when moved to left midfield put in a great shift for the team, tracked back well, worked hard and was an important reason for our victory (8/10)
Russell - had a hard shift against Marvyn Andrews who is tremendous in the air, but battled hard and earned his goal. Anyone worried about a lack of commitment from the big man after his transfer move fell through can stop worrying - a true professional. (7/10)
SUBS:
Prunty - much, much better! For the first time in what seems like forever Bryan worked brilliantly for the team. Looked a lot more confident after his goal last week and crucially, he worked harder at linking the play and taking the pressure of us. It’s no surprise his hunger got him his goal and he was unlucky not to get a second. (7/10)
Holmes - only got 5 mins, but good to see him back, he could be a big player for us in the run-in.
Watt - on for Russell late on and had the ball in the net, but correctly ruled offside.
Man of the Match - Steven McKenna
They’re gonna kick butt this year. Right?