Ryan at the double seals win for young Diamonds

Aug 27 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

RYAN DONNELLY’S second half double helped the Diamonds get their league campaign off to a winning start.

The United youngster scored one of his brace direct from a corner as Elgin were ruthlessly swept aside at Merkland Sports Park.

Goals from Stefan McCluskey and Fraser Craig set Airdrie on their way before Donnelly’s double, either side of a penalty consolation for the visitors.

The home side started strongly with a whole host of chances fashioned during a whirlwind opening blitz.

A Diamonds goal was always on the cards and it arrived in the 18th minute when McCluskey fired a shot past the keeper and into the net.

The busy Elgin stopper then denied Mark Fitzpatrick and Keiran Donaghy as Airdrie hunted a second goal.

Donaghy was again denied by the Borough Briggs No 1 after the interval but the Diamonds made it 2-0 in the 50th minute with Craig applying the finishing touch from close range.

Airdrie then gave run-outs to Dougie Mackay, Paul Byrne and Anthony Clarke before Donaghy blasted a shot wide.

Donnelly netted the first of his two goals in the 62nd minute in style when his corner flew over everyone and into the net.

The Diamonds created the bulk of the opportunities as the second half wore on and the three points were never appeared in any doubt.

Keeper Bobby Weir was called into action in the 84th minute when he turned a shot over the bar and, from the corner, the danger was cleared.

With three minutes remaining, Elgin pulled a goal back from the penalty spot but the Diamonds - and Donnelly - had the last word when he tapped home a back post cross.

Airdrie: Weir, Bain, McKee, Craig (Byrne), MacMillan, Taylor, Donaghy, McCabe (Mackay), Fitzpatrick, McCluskey (Clarke), Donnelly.