Terrace Talk

Aug 27 2008 By Jim Milton, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE recent 0-0 draw with Dundee at New Broomfield may have been short on goals but, for sheer entertainment, it was top-drawer and not the first reminder this season of how much more enjoyable life is in Division One compared to the league below.

No disrespect whatsoever to Cowdenbeath or Berwick Rangers – I am as much an advocate of their importance to the Scottish game as anyone – but it’s simply impossible to draw any sort of parallel between standard Second Division fare and the thrilling football served up at by two sides intent on attack, with flair high on the agenda.

In spite of the Diamonds’ encouraging start to the season, however, the fact remains that although goals have been plentiful in cup games, Kenny Black’s attackers have yet to find the back of the net after 360 minutes of league football.

Nevertheless, Black’s positive approach has to be commended. Palmerston apart, he has largely stuck with Paul Di Giacomo and Simon Lynch through the middle, with Steven McDougall and Joe Cardle pushing forward down the flanks.

Certainly that formation did lack a degree of incisiveness against Dundee but one has to balance this with the fact that the Dens Park outfit are heavy favourites to run away with the First Division title this term.

That said, it was a tussle that Airdrie looked as likely as their opponents to win at the death and Black and his backroom staff will take great heart from that alone.

Dundee undeniably had the game’s more clear-cut chances but Stephen Robertson was truly inspired in the home goal, saving his team-mates with a series of stunning stops.

Last season, his manager considered him the best keeper in Division Two.

I wonder if that claim can now be updated to include Division One. As a shot-stopper, he is second to none.

Of course, his lack of height is one shortcoming he can do little about - sorry Robbo - but, with no disrespect to young David Nixon who is still learning his trade, the eventual pairing in the Dundee game of Stephen McKenna with Bobby Donnelly, ironically forced by Nixon’s first half injury, brought about a steadier and more solid look to the heart of the defence.

With that type of insurance permanently in place, Robbo should be just fine.