Sunday, 18 September 2005

Hamilton 1 Airdrie Utd 1: Hamilton checkmate

Bernard Thompson at New Douglas Park

Sunday September 18 2005, 1.00am, Appeared in  The Sunday Times

Airdrie United had by far the better start with Hamilton owing much to David McEwan in goal. After only six minutes he had palmed away a Stephen McKenna effort while eight minutes later former Accie Brian McPhee shot over from seven yards.

Graeme Jones managed to nod the ball against a post but Airdrie were the more dangerous side and deserved Willie McLaren’s goal on 31 minutes. McLaren did well to round a defender and commit McEwan before driving a low shot past him from 10 yards. For the next half-hour Airdrie looked likely to secure all three points but their grip on the game was undone with the arrival of Pat Keogh.

On 51 minutes Lee Hollis had to look sharp to save his effort, pouncing on the rebound when Brian Carrigan’s free-kick hit wood. And the big striker was heavily involved in the equaliser, diving to head against Hollis before Scott MacKenzie tucked the ball away from the rebound.

Gary Twigg went close for the Diamonds and Mark McLaughlin headed over for the home team. Hamilton boss Billy Reid wanted a penalty when Jones went down in the last minute and for his part Sandy Stewart was sceptical as to the fairness of Keogh’s challenge for the leveller.

STAR MAN: David McEwan (Hamilton)

Player ratings. Hamilton: McEwan 7, Robertson 7, Fleming 6, Thomson 6, McLaughlin 7, Neil 7, Tunbridge 6 (Keogh 49min, 7), Wilson 6, Jones 5, MacKenzie 7, Carrigan 7.

Airdrie United: Hollis 6, McKenna 7, Dunn 7, McGowan 6, McManus 7, Barkey 6, McPhee 7 (Hardie 71min, 4), McKeown 7, Prunty 6, Twigg 7 (McDougall 80min, 4), McLaren 7.

Scorers: Hamilton: MacKenzie 63

Airdrie Utd: McLaren 31

Bookings: Wilson 89

Referee: Stuart Dougal

Attendance: 2,229

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