|
 A superb 30 yard strike by Ricky Waddle was not enough to secure 3 points for the Diamonds as a controversial late penalty awarded to Dunfermline allowed them the chance to equalise and take home a share of the points.
With the sides meeting for the second time in 4 days Kenny Blacks team were determined to get a reversal of Saturdays scoreline and close the gap on Ayr United who visit the Excelsior Stadium on Saturday.
A slow start to the game saw Dunfermline have the first notable chances when Stephen Robertson saved an Andy Dowie header and then paried an Andy Kirk drive. Then in 24 minutes Ricky Waddle's run on the left wing was ended when he rocketed home from 30 yards to put Airdrie in front. Dunfermline then were forced to make a change when Kirk went down injured and was relplaced by Willie Gibson. Dunfermline then went in search of an equaliser but despite sustained pressure the Airdrie goal was rarely troubled and the Diamonds went into the interval one up. The 2nd half started much as the 1st half ended with Dunfermline pressing but not causing Stephen Robertson much trouble with the exception of a nervy moment when Woods played an inviting cross into the box which neither side reacted to before Smyth cleared. With Airdrie heading towards a win referee Brian Winter pointed to the spot in the 87th minute after adjudging Paul Loverings tackle to be a foul and to be inside the box which the Airdrie players hotly disputed. Substitute Gibson kept his nerve and slotted home the equaliser ending the match 1-1. Airdrie Utd: Robertson, Parratt (Robert Donnelly 38), Lovering, Smyth, Storey, McCann (Lagana 72), McLaughlin, Waddell, Baird (Keegan 85), O'Carroll, Gemmill.
Subs Not Used: Hollis, McDonald. Booked: Parratt, Waddell, Robert Donnelly, Lagana. Goals: Waddell 24. Dunfermline: Fleming, Woods, McCann, Dowie, Higgins, David Graham, Mason, Bell, Phinn (Campbell 62), Cardle (Holmes 71), Kirk (Gibson 30).
Subs Not Used: Paterson, Ross. Booked: Gibson, Dowie, Bell, David Graham. Goals: Gibson 87 pen. Att: 703 Ref: B Winte
|
