Bottlers
(2 votes, average: 3 out of 5)
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I’d like to start of by admitting I did not make the game yesterday. I do not know how we played. I do not know if we deserved to win. Therefore, this article should be considered in a wider context for Airdrie United and not simply a reaction to yesterday’s defeat by Ross County.
From a possible 15 points against our promotion rivals this season, we have picked up just one point (the 1-1 draw with Ross County earlier in the season) and in that game, our goalkeeper had to save a last minute penalty otherwise we’d have lost the game.
In home games against Ross County and Raith Rovers, we have failed to score and despite taking the lead in all three of our away games against that opposition, we have failed to win a game.
It is fair to say that our general form has improved and we are now looking capable of beating the “rest” of the division more times than not. That is form that is going to see us there or there abouts at the end of the season.
However, if we want to see Airdrie United in the First Division for the 2008-09 season, we are going to have to address what is a worrying trend in big game situations.
The situation is not exclusive to the Airdrie of 2007-08. Last season, we failed to take advantage of a number of billed “must win” matches against teams around us - games which would have lifted us out of the relegation zone. We failed to hold onto a lead in the away game at Stirling Albion, we failed to lift ourselves for the second leg.
Whether the problem lies with the manager, his tactics, the lack of support from the fans, confidence, or the commitment of the players is not for me to say. That is a question which must be answered from those within the club, but it is not one to ignore.
Queen of the South apart on the last day of the season, I cannot remember the last “big game” that Airdrie won. If we are to progress, we need that situation to change - and quickly.
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