Match Report

Passion in abundance and determination for all to see wasn’t enough for the Warriors to edge themselves over the play-off line.

The Warriors travelled to Airdrie on Saturday with two aims: to reduce the two goal deficit and grab a place in the play-off finals. They gave it their all, though fate wasn’t on this small but mighty club’s side.

Airdrie were forced to bide their time in the first half, but not before Bannon headed his effort in minutes from the close of the half. Wilson doubled the hosts lead five minutes after half time, then minutes later Yates pulled one back for the Warriors.

Despite the Warriors undeniable efforts to go further up the pitch- coupled with the attacking quality they possessed- they struggled to contend with the equally threatening attack of Airdrie which resulted in sitting in their own half for the opening 45 minutes.

The only chance of the half for the Warriors came through captain, Buchanan in the seventh minute, as he was first to react to a Yates free-kick his effort, however, was fired over the bar.

The Warriors continued to stand up to Airdrie’s pressure and did limit their chances but the hosts looked extremely threatening when going forward and will be disappointed to that it took them as long to score one of their plethora of chances.

Deejay pulled off an unbelievable save- quality that we have grown to expect from our number one- to deny Wilson from close range in the 10th minute. He was called to attention a few minutes later as Wilson cushioned his effort wide from five yards out.

Airdrie’s tireless efforts in front of goal were not in vain as in the 40th minute a well swung in corner met the head of Bannon, who evaded his marker, to thump in his header giving the hosts an indisputable lead. 1-0.

The Warriors gave themselves a slight mountain to climb going into the second half, however the fighting spirit we have seen so often this season was there in abundance in the second half- they continued to press on but ultimately it was Airdrie’s game for the taking.

Airdrie came out all guns blazing in the second half and didn’t afford the Warriors a minute, with their quick press causing our back line problems. Wilson doubled the host’s advantage five minutes into the second half with a well driven effort beating Deejay at the near post. 2-0.

The Warriors valiant efforts paid off in the 57th minute as Yates’ deflected shot found its way into the Airdrie net uplifting the Warriors for the final 30 minutes.  2-1.

The Warriors took obvious hope from Yates’ goal as he tried his luck from the halfway line and watched as the keeper scrambled back- his shot ultimately dropped just wide. The game became scrappy in the final 20 minutes with neither team really grasping control of the ball.

It finished 2-1 to Airdrie on the day and 5-2 on aggregate. Ultimately it wasn’t to be for the Warriors and despite their best efforts they will remain in League 1 next season. This has been a season that the Warriors can look back on fondly, having defied the odds to even be contenders for the Championship next season. Your support has been immense all season and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Ochilview Park next season as we push on once again.  

Match Report by Louise Davidson

Preview

The mighty Warriors battle on as they aim all of their efforts to turn the play-off tie around.

This weekend hosts the second leg of our Championship play-off with Airdrie, with the Warriors keen to rescue the goal deficit and spark an upset in Lanarkshire. The Warriors go into this second leg full of belief as they strive for more.

Airdrie came out on top on Tuesday night with three stupendous goals giving the visitors a decent cushion- that was before Matty Aitken pulled one back for the Warriors- sending them to Airdrie with hope on Saturday.

The turning point for the Warriors

The Warriors were penned back for most of the game with the Airdrie front men causing some problems – nothing our back line couldn’t handle. However, the Warriors changed the tide of the game in the last 15 minutes, with some fresh legs giving them a much-needed boost of energy.

Stenny began to probe and gave Airdrie something to consider as they pushed on to reduce the deficit before Saturday. Kelsey Ewen proved pivotal in the Warriors turn around as it was the left back whose determination won us the penalty.

This goal is not only a reduced deficit but a symbol of hope and the courage to march forward on Saturday; a chance to put Airdrie under pressure and hopefully net the first opportunity of the afternoon.

Airdrie won’t back down- not in front of a home crowd.

Given their lead going into a home game, Airdrie will aim to block any Warriors’ advances and ensure that they remain in the Championship for another season.

Airdrie’s home form over the course of the season has been suspect, with the North Lanarkshire side only registering six home wins out of a possible 18- a statistic the Warriors will be keen to add to.

Despite their poor run this season, Airdrie are favourites in this fixture having registered 20 wins over the Warriors with nine of those coming on home turf.

This is another mammoth game for the Warriors, as they not only look to reduce the deficit at the weekend, but also advance to the next round of the play-offs. We hope as many of you can join us in full voice to support Gary and the boys. Remember to stay up to date via all our social media channels.

Kick off: 3pm 10th May

Location: Excelsior Stadium

Match Preview by Louise Davidson