Raith Rovers 4 Airdrie United 3 match review

Nov 14 2012 By Colin Paterson

WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP

THIRD ROUND:

RAITH ROVERS 4 AIRDRIE 3 (after extra-time)

Airdrie boss Jimmy Boyle praised his side's "fantastic effort" despite going out of the cup.

This dramatic third round replay at Stark's Park on Tuesday night produced extra-time, seven goals and ten bookings.

However, Rovers did just enough thanks to Dougie Hill's winner to book a date with Highland League Deveronvale on Saturday, December 1.

It's now just one win in 11 games for the Diamonds but Boyle admitted he could not fault the contribution his players made to a thrilling tie.

The manager said: "I was really pleased with our efforts. The players kept going all night and for the last 15 minutes of normal time it looked like we were the only team going to win it.

"We had some great chances and their keeper has made some good saves. We also had a couple of poor misses.

"I can’t fault the effort - I thought it was fantastic - and maybe with a wee bit of luck somewhere along the line we could have got through.

"But again it’s the old deficiencies. We’re losing cheap goals. We're trying hard to keep the back door shut and know we can't keep going like this.

"We're so up and down and it’s very frustrating.I do believe in these players and I think they can create things and score goals.

"It’s good for fans to watch these type of games, but it’s not good for my ticker."

On-loan Motherwell midfielder Josh Watt gave Airdrie a second-minute lead which was quickly wiped out by ex-Celtic kid Greig Spence.

Raith got their noses in front when Allan Walker converted from the spot but the Diamonds levelled with a penalty of their own from Paul Di Giacomo.

In the 55th minute, the Kirkcaldy men surged ahead for a second time through Grant Anderson but centre-back Gregor Buchanan's late equaliser forced extra-time.

The contest was eventually settled when Hill nodded past substitute keeper Andrew Duncan to send Raith into the fourth round.

Raith: Laidlaw; Thomson, Ellis, Hill, Malone; Mensing; G Anderson (Callachan 114), Walker, Hamill (S Anderson 76); Spence, Clarke.

Subs not used: Donaldson, Vaughan, Roberts(gk).

Booked: Ellis, Clarke.

Airdrie: Arthur (Duncan 32); Evans, Lilley, Buchanan, Warren; Stallard; Bain (Jack Boyle 62), Blockley, Watt; Di Giacomo (McLaren 76), Donnelly.

Subs not used: Griffin, Lamie.

Booked: Warren, Lilley, Buchanan, Stallard, Watt, Blockley, Donnelly, McLaren.

Referee: Stephen Finnie.

Attendance: 935.