Airdrie United 0 - 0 Raith Rovers: Lacklustre Raith held by ten-man Airdrie

Published on 25/11/2012 01:36

TEN-man Airdrie United ended a sequence of five home defeats to claim a battling point, writes William Dick at Excelsior Stadium.

Jimmy Boyle’s men were worthy of the draw against a Rovers side who failed to make the extra man count. The Diamonds, with the lively Paul Di Giacomo to the fore, dominated the early exchanges. The striker was denied twice in quick succession by Ross Laidlaw who showed good reflexes to turn one effort for a corner and safe handling to smother the next.

Midway through the first half Di Giacomo threatened again, holding off Laurie Ellis before seeing his shot deflect for a corner off Laidlaw’s legs. Home keeper Grant Adam did not have a save to make in the first half but Rovers looked more threatening on the restart and Adam did well to block Jason Thomson’s drilled shot. The on-loan St Mirren keeper was beaten by Brian Graham’s looping header only for David Lilley to clear off the line.

Jack Boyle missed Airdrie’s best chance yet 61 minutes when he fired into the side-netting.

Within two minutes the midfielder’s game was over after he picked up two yellow cards in the space of 90 seconds.