Airdrie beat Ayr in first win of the season

Nov 4 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Airdrie United 3 Ayr United 1

FURROWED brows gave way to smiles as frustration and anger was replaced with relief and joy in equal measure. There remains a long way to go, but Airdrie United at last have hope.

After three painful months, 13 winless games and a state of the nation address from the chairman, the Diamonds secured their first victory of the season in front of a grateful public close to their wits’ end.

In subjecting awful Ayr to a frightening Halloween defeat they will be desperate to consign to the memory banks as quickly as possible, Airdrie finally climbed off the bottom of the First Division with a performance as impressive as the result.

All of the key ingredients required to earn three points in this league were in abundance on Saturday. Kenny Black’s men were passionate and determined while showing character and composure when it was most needed.

This was a pivotal match for Airdrie, but particularly for their manager. In order to retain the backing of those in the home support who have not made up their minds on his reign, he had to guide his team to success. That he did buys him more time to get things right.

There is no hanging around when it comes to apportioning blame to Black when the Diamonds suffer a reverse, so he deserves to share in the credit when his side win. He has handled the criticism and endless questions about his future with dignity and had the right to be satisfied with his day’s work.

His side played to their strengths. The ball was sent to the flanks as often as possible, with the wide men encouraged to get in behind the full-backs and whip in dangerous crosses. It was a tactic that generated plenty of success.

It has been noted that Airdrie are a better team when they play at a high tempo and take the fight to the opposition. The laboured build-up from the back, which has been a feature of their performances for far too long, doesn’t suit this collection of players. This display merely confirmed that.

“It was an important result for obvious reasons,” said Black. “I am delighted for everybody connected with the club and we can have a nice weekend for once.

“The manner in which we played pleased me. We had a lot of efforts on goal and you could see the confidence come back to the players. You could see how much this meant to them.”

Black’s decision to start with the craft of Alan Trouten on the right-side of midfield, in place of the graft of Darren Smith, proved decisive. The ex-Clyde man was outstanding and caused Ayr problems every time he got on the ball.

On the opposite side, Ricky Waddell showed just why the gaffer was keen to snap him up in the summer. He added balance to the midfield four and his delivery was excellent, with two of Airdrie’s goals coming from his centres.

“I opted to go with Alan as he is the type of player that can excite our fans,” said Black. “He is very direct and I think he had one of his better games.”

The manager conceded that his men were “not out of the woods yet” and he is correct to remain cautious. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge and this is just one win. They will also face sides who boast more quality and are better than Ayr.

But this is, at least, a start. Airdrie can now properly fix their sights on eighth-placed Morton as they set about attempting to finish top of the mini three-team league that has been cut adrift by the rest of the division.

It had threatened to be one of those afternoons as the Honest Men went in at the break on level terms thanks to a bizarre own goal. Simon Storey missed a chance to head clear Kenny Connolly’s diagonal ball with Ryan McCann’s left leg directing it into the net.

This moment of despair wiped out Trouten’s 35th minute opener, but Airdrie restored their lead midway through the second half when John Baird and Waddell combined to set up Diarmuid O’Carroll who crashed a shot high past Craig Samson.

It appeared all over in the 73rd minute after Trouten sprung Ayr’s offside trap to collect a McCann pass and finish with aplomb, but Airdrie still needed keeper Stephen Robertson to be alert in the closing stages.

“The manager has been brilliant with us and kept our heads up,” said Trouten. “He has been getting a bit of stick and you feel for him. Hopefully he will be cut a little bit of slack with this win.”

More performances like this will keep the wolves from Black’s door. The Diamonds faithful left the stadium invigorated by a 90-minute showing that, although far from flawless, offered enough to suggest the corner can be turned.

“You would come back for that,” said one supporter after the final whistle.

Not only did the fans witness a first victory in over five months, they also watched Airdrie score three goals for only the third time since August last year.

As the players refuelled themselves, it was put to Storey that this triumph would provide relief for everyone.

The Australian’s response was unequivocal – nobody felt happier than those occupying the home dressing room.

Advertiser man of the match (3pts) – Alan Trouten. Won Airdrie the game. Ricky Waddell (2pts), Diarmuid O’Carroll (1pt).

Moment of the match: When O’Carroll scored, Ayr were all but defeated.

Airdrie: Robertson; McCann, Donnelly, Nixon, Storey; Trouten (Smith 86), McDonald, McLaughlin, Waddell; O’Carroll (Keegan 84), Baird (Watt 84). Subs not used: Lovering, Hollis(gk).

Booked: Storey, Nixon, Trouten.

Ayr: Samson; Connolly (C Aitken 74), Gibson, Campbell, A Aitken (N McGowan 55); R McGowan, Stevenson, Keenan, Borris (Cawley 80); Prunty, Roberts. Subs not used: Gormley, Grindlay(gk).

Booked: Samson, Campbell, R McGowan, Roberts.

Referee: Lee Evans.

Attendance: 1184