Missed chances prove costly to the Diamonds

Nov 5 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

FOOTBALL managers can prepare and plan for many things but there is little that can be done from the dug-out when momentum begins to shift.

Kenny Black is a man who leaves nothing to chance. When his players take to the field you know they have been well-drilled on how to create problems as well as solve them.

So as the Airdrie United gaffer walked up the tunnel at half-time in this terrific First Division encounter, he will have known more than anyone just how big an opportunity had been missed by his team.

This contest could have been over after 45 minutes.

Talk about goalscoring chances. That the Diamonds ended up with only a point from their trip to Tayside, having led at the break thanks to Simon Lynch, was down to wastefulness in front of goal, pure and simple.

Airdrie had done the hard bit. They started brilliantly and with purpose, scored a goal and silenced an enthusiastic Dundee support.

But with every chance Black’s troops spurned, the Dens Park faithful cranked up the noise levels to boost their flagging side who seized the initiative and eventually equalised through Mickael Antoine-Curier.

The New Broomfield boss threw on substitutes, tried to instil urgency and fresh belief but it was too late – the tide had turned and Airdrie just had to concentrate on not drowning.

Winning from a position of strength is a necessity in this cut-throat league. Ahead of the game, Black said it was important not to lose but it is just as vital to cash in your chips when you are beating the croupier.

“We got off to the best possible start and I was disappointed to only come in at half-time 1-0 up,” the gaffer said. “But I’ve no complaints with the second half as Dundee looked the likelier side.

“At times we seemed to be doing our best to concede a goal. We knew they would get a huge lift with Jocky coming back so we wanted to retaliate early.

“Everything was going according to plan but I always knew we needed a second goal.

“In normal circumstances, a point at Dens Park isn’t a bad result but when you go into the lead and have chances to make it 2-0, then it is disappointing.”

Airdrie’s cause wasn’t helped in the third minute when referee Chris Boyle denied them what appeared to be a definite spot-kick after young defender Kyle Benedictus bundled over Lynch in the box – with a free-kick then given to Dundee.

“It looked to me a stonewall penalty,” added Black. “The referee says Simon has controlled the ball with his arm so we have to believe his explanation.”

So time to mull over the ones that got away and for Paul Di Giacomo, it was an afternoon of regrets.

In the eighth minute, he somehow headed the ball over from close-range after Lynch nodded a superb Darren Smith cross off the bar.

And with four minutes to go of the opening period, a Lynch knockdown from Marc Smyth’s delivery fell neatly for Di Giacomo who dragged his final shot wide with just keeper Rab Douglas to beat.

“Paul has had one of those days,” remarked his manager. “Normally he would put those type of chances away.”

But while the ex-Kilmarnock forward was enduring a nightmare, keeper Stephen Robertson took the time to remind us again of how impressive a goalie he really is.

And if he pulls off a better stop than the miraculous one he produced in the 24th minute to thwart Craig McKeown, he will be doing well.

Quite how Robertson managed to stretch and get his fingertips to a ball that was destined for the net, and push it out, only he knows. Suffice to say, it was a wonderful piece of goalkeeping at a critical moment.

When the dust settled on Saturday night, Airdrie were still above Dundee and the relegation zone courtesy of defeats on the road for Clyde and Morton.

There were plenty of positives for Black to reflect on. Lynch’s goal – against one of his old clubs – was one of beauty, a great strike from Paul Lovering’s cross that smashed off Douglas’ left-hand post and trickled over the line.

The way in which Airdrie took control of this game showed maturity, confidence and belief that was maybe missing earlier in the campaign.

And the composed performance of Stephen McKenna, alongside David Nixon, at the heart of the defence in place of the absent Bobby Donnelly, perfectly illustrated his versatility and ability.

There are still areas of Black’s team that are a work in progress with the displays by the midfield unit continuing to be frustratingly inconsistent.

On the whole, however, Airdrie are in a position most supporters would have gleefully accepted before a ball was kicked in anger.

Not much was expected of Black’s brigade when they were shuffled into the First Division by the back door.

But when you are leaving Dundee a little miffed at only clinching a draw, you realise just how far the Diamonds have come in such a short space of time.

Advertiser man of the match (3pts) - Stephen Robertson. Made several good saves with his first half heroics the best of the lot. Stephen McKenna (2pts), Paul Lovering (1pt).

Moment of the match: Di Giacomo’s miss just before the interval was crucial.

Dundee: Douglas, Pozniak, McKeown, Benedictus, Malone, Daquin (Gilhaney 81), Williams, Mearns, O’Brien, Antoine-Curier, Deasley (Davidson 80). Subs not used: Lauchlan, Nairn, Roy(gk).

Booked: Malone, Williams, Deasley.

Airdrie: Robertson, Smyth, McKenna, Nixon, Lovering, Smith (McDougall 77), McDonald (Brown 77), McLaughlin, Cardle, Di Giacomo (Noble 84), Lynch. Subs not used: Hazley, Hollis(gk).

Booked: Smith, Brown.

Referee: Chris Boyle.