Black desperate for first win of the season

Oct 14 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

KENNY Black admits that Airdrie’s first win of the season “can’t come quickly enough” but hopes that his team will enjoy a change of fortunes in the second quarter of the campaign.

His 10-man side lost 2-1 at home to Raith Rovers on Saturday, and added Tom Parratt and Frankie Lagana to his injury list.

Parratt will be out for up to six weeks after breaking a metatarsal in the first half, while Lagana has a groin strain.

Yesterday (Tuesday) also saw the Diamonds lodge an appeal against Bobby Donnelly’s red card, shown after he received a second yellow for dissent in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Black said: “Tom had gone up for a header and just felt the bone crack; Frankie has been playing with a succession of injuries, and both of them are big losses.

“We’ve had our fair share of injuries this season – the situation is the worst I’ve ever known in three years at the club.

“There were big players in the stand on Saturday; but we at least now have Paul Lovering and Scott McLaughlin free of suspension.”

Donnelly’s red card appeal centres around a second yellow card for dissent.

Black said: “Bobby is adamant he didn’t swear at the referee; he and Darren Smith felt a soft free kick had been given and Darren owned up that he shouted.

“We put the appeal in yesterday because we think it’s a case of mistaken identity and think it’s worthwhile putting our case and asking the question.”

Airdrie remain rock-bottom of the First Division, but the United manager can see positives as he motivates his players for the visit of second-placed Ross County.

He said: “The players are very down and won’t be enjoying looking at the league table – but I believe in them and we’re not a million miles away from being a really good side.

“We haven’t got what we’ve deserved in games this season – our big problem is that we’re getting into good positions but failing to make the goalkeeper work and we aren’t scoring and hurting teams.

“That first win can’t come quickly enough for everybody at the club, and when we get it, it will kick-start us.

“I feel for the fans who are frustrated – I understand that but everybody at the club, from the top down, is frustrated, and we’re working hard to bring the first three points to the club.”

Black added of Saturday’s game: “A number of our games against Ross County have been close affairs – the important thing for us is not to become detached.

“Second-bottom Ayr are firmly in our sights, and what better way to start the second part of the season than by taking three points?”

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