Keeper saves the day for Diamonds

Aug 20 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THAT maiden league win is still proving an elusive fellow and there is yet to be an entry in the goals for column but this was a day which generated more encouraging signs for the Diamonds masses.

A fundamental rule that must be adhered to when attempting to be successful in the First Division is that you must be difficult to beat.

And while some Airdrie United supporters may express concern that their favourites have not hit the back of the net in the league thus far, they can’t fail to have been impressed with the team’s dogged, determined defending.

Title hopefuls Dundee were left frustrated on Saturday afternoon as the New Broomfield outfit held firm to collect what could be a useful point come the end of the season.

It should be pointed out that Airdrie had goalie Stephen Robertson to be thankful for. He made five solid saves that were enough to deny Alex Rae’s men and clinch a deserved man of the match award.

But while his heroic display should be applauded and acknowledged, it is worth noting that Airdrie’s general performance was strong and hard-working with spells of good football.

Put simply, if Kenny Black’s men can maintain this level of performance for most of the campaign, then the goals will come, they will win games and, more importantly, climb away from relegation bother.

“I think we are indebted to our keeper,” said the manager. “He was the sponsor’s man of the match - most of the time they usually get it wrong but I don’t think we can have any problems with this decision.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game. On the basis of play they created the better chances. It’s another clean sheet for us but it is also another nil against our name in the league.”

Robertson proved his worth on numerous occasions. As a newish back four take time to gel, his role between the sticks will be crucial over the coming weeks.

“A point apiece was probably fair but I think we need to believe in ourselves a bit more,” said the 31-year-old stopper. “We are all in this together though.

“It makes your day a wee bit better when you don’t let a goal in. I think we will be fine. People are saying Airdrie are certainties to go down but we just have to work hard to try and prove them wrong.”

This was very much a point gained for the Diamonds who more than played their part in an exciting contest from which a winner was impossible to predict.

Dundee had the more clearcut opportunities but couldn’t find a way past Robertson. The Diamonds enjoyed a lot of the ball in the final third of the pitch although lacked a cutting edge.

If there were criticisms to be levelled, then set-pieces continue to infuriate. Too many free-kicks and corners aren’t taken full advantage of because of wayward delivery.

In addition, the Dark Blues central defensive duo of Darren Williams and Gary McKenzie coped comfortably when long balls were played up to Paul Di Giacomo and Simon Lynch.

However, the introduction of Stuart Noble changed all that. He was able to hold up play, allowing others to push forward, which suggests he can offer an extra dimension in attack that may unlock the door.

“You go with the 11 players you think can get you a result,” added Black. “I thought Simon could have pulled the trigger a couple of times and Stuart did give us something a bit different.”

Robertson was heavily involved in the action as the first half clicked into gear and Dundee pressed. In the space of six minutes, he did well to block from Colin McMenamin, Mickael Antoine-Curier and Freddie Daquin.

The Diamonds’ best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Lynch. He nodded just wide after winger Joe Cardle fired over a teasing cross.

Antoine-Curier was left frustrated seconds after the interval when Robertson got down smartly to make another great stop and in the 54th minute, he expertly turned wide a McMenamin strike.

The home side looked dangerous late-on. A long-range Scott McLaughlin shot was well held by Rab Douglas before a scramble in the box led to McKenzie clearing a goalbound effort from the line.

Airdrie may not have scored and, yes, the result was only good enough for a point, but this was another day of progress - another step in the right direction.

Advertiser man of the match: Stephen Robertson. The Diamonds No 1 made a string of good stops to keep Dundee at bay.

Moment of the match: A great save by Robertson in the 22nd minute from Freddie Daquin after a horrible mistake by David Nixon.

Airdrie: Robertson, Smyth, Donnelly, Nixon (McLaughlin 25), Hazley, McDougall (Smith 87), McDonald, McKenna, Cardle, Di Giacomo, Lynch (Noble 69). Subs not used: Maguire, Hollis(gk).

Booked: McKenna, Di Giacomo.

Dundee: Douglas, Paton, McKenzie, Williams, Malone, Daquin (Davidson 83), McHale, Pozniak, Gilhaney (O’Brien 70), McMenamin, Antoine-Curier. Subs not used: Deasley, McKeown, Roy(gk).

Booked: Douglas, Paton, Malone, Antoine-Curier.

Referee: Stephen Finnie.

Attendance: 1787