Airdrie United 1-2 Raith Rovers

Published on Saturday 10 October 2009 19:43

PROMOTION darkhorses, Raith, kept pace with their more fancied rivals at the top of the First Division with an excellent away day win over Airdrie. Any away win in this league is a good one, but the manner of his team's win will have delighted manager John McGlynn.

Despite being second best for much of the opening exchanges it was the Diamonds who created the first real chance, full-back Simon Storey failing to convert when he ought to have scored after 26 minutes. Rovers immediately went up the other end and took the lead, skipper Iain Davidson heading home a Craig Wilson free kick when afforded far too much room.

It could have been two five minutes before the break, the impressive Johnny Russell sprinting away from the static Diamonds rearguard only to see his right foot shot cannon off the inside of Stephen Robertson's post. Strike partner Gregory Tade then blasted over.

Airdrie had been fortunate to go in only a goal behind, and it took only 70 second-half seconds before their luck ran out, Iain Williamson the beneficiary of more unbelievably poor defending as he fired home from close range.

Before Airdrie could clear their heads they were down to 10 men, Bobby Donnelly sent packing for a moment of folly. However, despite Rovers' pressure the Diamonds reduced the deficit late on, Diarmuid O'Carroll netting against a by now 10-man Rovers who had seen Gregory Tade receive two yellow cards.