Diamonds sparkle in cup glory

Sep 3 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THIS was an evening which saw the Diamonds sparkle while firmly in the spotlight - a night when a young, hard-working team took to the throne and became Kings of Tynecastle

During a season, there are results that stand-out and act as turning points, performances which galvanise not just a dressing room, but an entire club.

Perhaps last Wednesday night in the west end of Edinburgh, Airdrie United made a giant leap forward as they try and establish themselves at the top end of Scottish football once again.

This victory was richly deserved and thoroughly merited.

Kenny Black’s men made it to round three of the Co-operative Insurance Cup by humiliating SPL cracks Hearts in their very own backyard.

It may have taken penalties after a goalless 90 minutes followed by extra-time, but did the noisy pocket of Diamonds fans in the ground care at the end?

You bet they didn’t.

For the best part of five years in the 80s, Black patrolled the Jambos midfield, playing an important role in many fine successes, none sweeter than the UEFA Cup win over Bayern Munich in 1988.

This time, however, he kicked every ball from the sidelines as the team that he has cobbled together showed they have hearts the size of lions, grit and determination in abundance.

Central defender David Nixon waltzed off with the man of the match award.

However, in truth, there were so many candidates a fairer way of sharing the prize would have been to give an accolade to each player.

His partner at the back, Bobby Donnelly, oozed authority and contained Jamie Mole and then substitute Christian Nade during the entire 120 minutes.

In midfield, Stephen McKenna confirmed the fact that he is far more influential as part of a central three while Scott McLaughlin and Kevin McDonald buzzed around, snapping into tackles and keeping play moving.

Steven McDougall and Joe Cardle added width and a nice touch - Paul Di Giacomo grafted like a trojan up-front on his own for most of the game.

“On effort alone, I thought we deserved to take it to penalties at least and I am delighted for everybody connected with the club,” said Black.

“Our keeper had to make two or three really good stops during the game but when it went to penalties, I fancied him to save at least one.”

Even McDonald’s sending-off in the 107th minute for a second bookable offence couldn’t turn the tide in Hearts’ favour.

The Diamonds remained resolute and strong right to the very end of the match and through the tense penalty deciders.

Airdrie thought they had taken the lead in the 41st minute.

A wonderful Di Giacomo shot cracked off the underside of the bar. Black later revealed the match video appeared to show that the striker’s effort had crossed the line.

Robertson was called upon as time ticked away. His best stop came with three minutes of extra-time left, brilliantly blocking a Deividas Cesnauskis strike.

In the shoot-out, Airdrie were leading 2-1 when the Diamonds No 1 saved Lee Wallace’s weak effort. It was 3-2 by the time Darren Smith was denied before Michael Stewart netted.

But after Scott McLaughlin tucked away spot-kick No 5, Robertson thwarted David Obua to spark wild celebrations.

“I actually put the lads under a wee bit of pressure at the penalty shoot-out,” added Black. “I told the five who were going up to take the kicks that they were on £50,000 each to go through.”

After producing such a great performance, they would be worth every penny.