Stenhousemuir v Airdrie United at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 10.12.11
Irn Bru Scottish Second Division Att 698
Stenhousemuir 1 [Rodgers 3] Airdrie United 1 [McLaren 70]
After the previous week’s success at Methil, manager Davie Irons kept the same starting eleven from that encounter for the game against Airdrie United. Earlier in the season Stenhousemuir were thrashed 5-2 in what was not only their worst score of the season but also the worse performance.
It was with this background that Stenhousemuir came into the match fired up and determined to make amends for that abject display. The Warriors got off to the best possible start as they opened the scoring in only the third minute of the game when Andy Rodgers latched onto a weak Kevin McKinlay effort and when his first touch took him away from his marker he fired low into the net.
This was the highlight of the day however for the home side who failed to get into the rhythm and tempo that they often set at home. There was an immediate response by Airdrie’s Willie McLaren who saw a chipped effort easily saved by Ally Brown who was probably grateful to get a hold of the ball to settle any nerves after an earlier misjudgement. Airdrie has an appeal for a penalty turned down when a Graeme Owens shot was blocked by Ross McMillan’s arm. On this occasion it was wishful thinking as the ball clearly hit arm rather than the other way about. In 25 minutes Stewart Kean tested keeper Connor Fairley after a run from halfway ended with a decent shot and consequent save. A minute later Rodgers had the ball in the net once again but the whistle had already blown and he was subsequently booked. Airdrie should have scored in the 33rd minute but a McLaren cross was missed by several players when a touch would have taken it into the net. With four minutes of the half Brown Ferguson had to leave the pitch through injury and although Paul McHale replaced him it affected the potency of the team as Ferguson had been causing Airdrie problems throughout the game.
At half time Airdrie brought on Jamie Stevenson and his presence along with Ferguson’s absence made a difference in the midfield battle with Airdrie subsequently winning the honours. Once again however the Warriors started full of promise and Kean shot into the side net three minutes after the resumption. Owens had another claim for a penalty turned down just after this. Stenhousemuir suffered another blow when Kevin McKinlay picked up a shoulder injury and was eventually subbed. Airdrie were growing stronger all the time and they equalised through a fine McLaren strike after the Stenhousemuir defence failed to clear their lines following an erroneous throw for Airdrie. The goal though controversial was reward for Airdrie’s efforts and they almost took the lead in the 81st minute when Brown tipped a McLaren effort onto the post.
Stenhousemuir were a shadow of themselves in this part of the game, but they were handed a chance with three minutes remaining when Fairley picked up a passback. Eric Paton drove an effort through the wall that was cleared off the line by Paul Lovering, it fell to Ross McMillan but from close range he dragged his effort wide of the target and Stenhousemuir’s last chance of victory had gone.
Nevertheless they held on for a point to maintain their unbeaten home run and with the top two, Cowdenbeath and Arbroath, drawing with each other there was no real harm to their league position.
Stenhousemuir – Brown, Lyle, McKinlay [C.Hamilton 71], Corrigan, McMillan, Thomson, Ferguson [McHale 41], Rodgers [b26], Kean, Paton and Murray[b68] [Dickson 83]. Subs not used – Quinn and McCluskey
Airdrie United – Fairley, Bain, Lovering [b52], Stallard, Lilley, Lynch, Johnston [Stevenson h/t][b53], Owens [Devlin 90], Holmes [Boyle 76], Donnelly [b61] and McLaren. Subs not used – Green and Duncan
Referee – Matt Northcroft Assistants – Wes Boulstridge and Derek Rose
1