Airdrie United captain's appearance landmark

Dec 7 2011 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Paul Lovering

PAUL LOVERING admitted his fifth goal of the season was the perfect way to celebrate making his 250th appearance for Airdrie, writes Colin Paterson.

The long-serving defender chalked up the landmark as the Diamonds cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory at rock-bottom Stirling Albion on Saturday.

The 36-year-old full-back joined the club from St Johnstone eight years ago and Lovering was able to party in style with the Airdrie squad holding their Christmas bash in Aberdeen at the weekend.

He told Advertiser Sport: “I’m really delighted to hit such a landmark and get another goal and it does mean a lot to me But the most important thing was winning the game.

“I thought our performance was excellent and all the boys contributed to the win.

“It’s our Christmas night out so this is a great start to it and I’m sure we’ll all have a nice time having picked up the three points.

“I have had a fantastic time at Airdrie. I love it here. Everyone from the players in the dressing-room to the directors in the boardroom have been good to me over the years.

“To make as many appearances as I have is something that makes me very proud and I’m very pleased.

“It’s a real privilege to captain the club, particularly with so many young guys coming through the ranks here.

“This is a fantastic club. The Ballantyne family have been great to me ever since I arrived and the fans have always got behind me.”

Airdrie will be looking for a second successive win when they travel to Stenhousemuir this weekend but Lovering says the team will take nothing for granted at Ochilview.

“Hopefully we can kick-on from here,” he added. “We won’t get carried away this result as we know we have a tough match at Stenhousemuir coming up.”

THE ‘Kids for Free’ offer at Airdrie’s last home match with Arbroath saw 96 youngsters admitted to the stadium for nothing.

It was an event promoted by new club sponsor Advance Construction (Scotland) Ltd to celebrate their deal which will initially run to the end of this season.

AIRDRIE under-19s will travel to Livingston this Sunday in the fourth round of the Scottish Youth Cup.

The young Diamonds reached the last 16 of the competition after beating Borders outfit Coldstream 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate at Home Park.