| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League:Division 1 | |
| 21st January 2006 Barlia Sports Complex |
|
| Windlaw | 2 |
| K.McCann,Neeson | |
| AS Airdrie | 0 |
Star Man: Colin Carmichael - Windlaw Manager Gary Wilson summed up the comeback of this, or any other season by saying "You would think Colin had played in this position all season rather than starting his first league match in 3 years." Other noteable mentions go to John Lunny in goal and Mr Dependable Colin Sinclair.
Action Details
Windlaw sprang a pre-match surprise with Colin Carmichael replacing Martin Docherty in the heart of the midfield for his first competitive start for three seasons. In the only other change from last week, Zanda Dougall replaced Allan Dougall who was serving the first of his two game suspension.
Windlaw started the game superbly, showing great desire and attitude and had a host of chances before Kevin McCann gave them a deserved lead on 21 minutes. On 4 minutes, McCaig had a 20 yard shot well saved by the visiting keeper. A minute later, McCaig glances a header wide from a fine Alan Nugent cross. On 7 minutes, Nugent attempts an audacious shot from near the right corner flag that goes over the crossbar. 4 minutes later, Nugent then spurns a great chance from a McCann corner when he fires over the bar from 6 yards out. On the 15 minute mark, Windlaw skipper Kerr misses a glorious chance from a diving header that he fails to get enough on, and the header flies wide. McCann's breakthrough strike owed much to McCaig, who challenges the AS Airdrie centre-half for Kerr's through ball and his brave angled flick fell perfectly for McCann who rammed past the helpless keeper for an opener that you thought would never come. Just before this incident, Airdrie's big centre-half who, incidentally, had a fine game, almost scored a spectacular OG from a passback that brought a hilarious shout from Macky on the sidelines! Eck McCaig then missed a glorious chance to double the lead when put clean through on the half hour, however, as he dummied the keeper he could only smash his shot off the keeper's right hand post. You could sense Airdrie would brighten up after this series of let-offs and they did for the remainder of the first half. Lunny tipped over a fine swirling effort on 34 minutes. The big keeper then had to charge from his line to meet an onrushing Airdrie player pursuing a fine through ball. The striker looked favourite to get there first and touch past the keeper but amazingly he decided against the collision with the big keeper. We'll say no more on this incident! Lunny then had another fine stop before the break, saving bravely when coming off his line as Windlaw's goal began to lead a charmed life. Windlaw were happy to hear the whistle, which was amazing considering their total domination of the opening half hour and the chances they had spurned.
Half Time: Windlaw 1 AS Airdrie 0
The second half was a much more dour affair with the visitors again much improved and probing for clear cut chances that never really materialised. The main action points were a penalty claim for each side, neither of which was awarded. AS Airdrie had a fair shout for handball on 75 that initially looked like the referee was awarding. He then blew up for offside. Windlaw had an equally good claim on 82 minutes when Shug Neeson appeared to be tripped in the box as he and an AS Airdrie defender went for a loose ball that Neeson appeared to reach first. Referre Don Flannigan, who must be complimented on an excellent performance, decided against the award. Substitute Neeson then wrapped up the points on 89 minutes. He chased a Wullie Wilson through ball which was apparently being dealt with by an Airdrie defender and his keeper, as he slid out to collect. The ball however, slipped from the keeper's grasp allowing Neeson the reward for his perseverance of slipping the ball into the unguarded net to seal the points from a game in which the visitors could possibly have nicked a point from. In injury time, sub Darren Campbell's superb work carved out a great chance for himself by flicking past the Airdrie centre-half. As he bore down on goal he pulled his shot wide of the keeper's right hand post when he should have scored.
Full Time: Windlaw 2 AS Airdrie 0
Summing-Up: Another excellent result against one of the genuine title contenders should ensure First Division football is again played at Barlia next season. AS Airdrie's young side will be annoyed with their opening half-hour display, however they hung in there and were in contention right until the death. The big centre-half was excellent and it looks as if any side will do well to go to Airdrie and collect points. Their title challenge will remain on course despite this set-back.
