Unpolished Diamonds can and must do better

Oct 1 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A JOURNEY from the Black Isle to the central belt allows the traveller plenty of time for reflection and contemplation as they gaze out towards stunning scenery.

But given the nature of Airdrie’s performance at Victoria Park on Saturday, it’s unlikely the spectacular Highland countryside was occupying the minds of the players as the team bus snaked down the A9.

It was another frustrating day for the Diamonds and their followers as County collected what could prove to be a vital victory come the season’s end.

The Staggies prevailed thanks to Marc Smyth’s first half own goal that was added to in the closing stages by Steven Craig. That particular strike wrapped up success for the home side and ruined any hopes Airdrie had of nicking a point.

Would a share of the spoils have been deserved? Over the piece, probably not. Apart from a good spell immediately after the interval, Kenny Black’s men rarely cut it in the final third of the pitch.

And so a huge week in the club’s season finished with three consecutive 2-0 defeats, two of those losses against teams who can expect to be worrying more about relegation than promotion in the coming months.

“It’s a disappointing result, the performance wasn’t great and we were at sixes and sevens defensively,” said a gutted Black. “We had opportunities that we could have done a bit better with.

“I’m not happy with the manner of the goals we are losing at the moment and I think the goalkeeper has ended up our best player again which just sums it up.”

No sympathy was forthcoming for Northern Irish defender Smyth who turned Ritchie Brittain’s back-post cross into the net in the 11th minute to put County in front.

“He should have dealt with it better,” added the gaffer. “I don’t know if he was caught undecided but it was a massive mistake.

“Goals change games and they got the upper hand early on.

“We never really recovered from that and we need to do better. We had a lot of players off-form and not reaching their full potential and you certainly won’t get away with that in this division.

“If we turn in many more performances like that then there is only going to be one outcome – we will lose games.”

Now is not the time for letting negativity engulf New Broomfield. The Diamonds are five points clear of rock-bottom Morton and the team have already proved they are good enough to compete at this level.

But, in wake of the past week, Airdrie need to balance getting back to basics with seizing a game by the throat and dominating from the outset.

The 5-0 thrashing of Ton apart, Black’s men haven’t been quick enough in storming out of the blocks.

At times, play is laboured and conservative, the team seemingly intent on giving the opposition time and space to build confidence.

Pressure is being invited when it should be applied. The first point of the Diamonds’ action plan must be to force themselves on their opponents in order to gain an important foothold.

More creativity in midfield is needed, in both the central and wide areas, while possession has to be looked after a lot better.

Airdrie’s set-pieces and final balls also require a great deal of work. Many corners and free-kicks fail to beat the first man.

Black’s men would have had a goal in the 55th minute had referee John McKendrick done his job properly. Stuart Noble clearly had his shirt tugged in the box by Scott Boyd as he tried to get on the end of a Steven McDougall cross.

The manager didn’t comment much on the incident, insisting it may “paper over the cracks” of the overall display, but there is no doubting the fact that it was a poor decision.

In the 78th minute, County doubled their lead when a counter-attacking move led to Craig pinging a shot from the edge of the box past Stephen Robertson.

Players racked by self-doubt and a lack of belief rarely perform – Airdrie’s players must rid themselves of both feelings soon or prepare for the trouble that lies ahead.

Advertiser man of the match (3pts) – Stephen Robertson. Yet another solid display peppered with good saves. Steven McDougall (2pts), Kevin McDonald (1pt).

Moment of the match: Referee John McKendrick’s decision not to award Airdrie a second half penalty was an awful call.

Ross County: Bullock, McCulloch, Boyd, Dowie, Keddie, Brittain, Lawson, Gardyne (Strachan 71), Scott, Daal (Higgins 58), Craig (Morrison 80). Subs not used: Watt, Soutar(gk).

Booked: Boyd, Daal.

Airdrie: Robertson, Smyth, Donnelly, Nixon, Lovering (Cardle 71), McDougall, McKenna, McDonald, McLaughlin, Noble (Maguire 66), Di Giacomo. Subs not used: Smith, Brown, Hollis(gk).

Referee: John McKendrick.

Attendance: 2259