12th February 2005
Sparta Jag v Airdrie United
Glasgow Green
JAGS SPECIAL K'S NOT ENOUGH AS DIAMONDS CUT SPARTA'S INTERNET HOPES
A goal each from Kenny Montgomery and Kevin Kelly were not enough to give
Sparta a share of the spoils in a match that saw Airdrie get themselves into
a 3-goal lead against title-chasing Sparta.
The home side started brightly and Stirling almost gave the Jags an early
lead when he was put thorough by Reston, however the Utd keeper spread himself
well to thwart the chance. Next Anderson beat his man on the right touchline
and crossed for Kirkwood who couldn't direct the header towards goal.
Airdrie hit back and from a corner they took the lead. A ball to the back
post was fired past Burnside - 1-0 to the Diamonds. Then Samson produced a
great last-man tackle to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead as
Sparta struggled to get back into the match.
Kirkwood then reorganised the side bringing on Ferguson and Duncan to try
and add some end product. Ferguson arced a 30-yard pass in to Stirling who
just couldn't beat the keeper as the first half petered out.
Half time: Sparta Jag 0 Airdrie United 1
The second half was barely 2 minutes old when Samson was crudely challenged
and brought down. As the ball broke, the Airdrie midfielder placed the ball
though the hole left with Samson on the ground. Although being at least a
couple of yards offside the Airdrie attacker made his way to goal, beat Reston
and fired the ball across the goal where it was planted behind Burnside to
make it 2-0.
Less than 5 minutes later, the referee, who was making Brian Cassidy look
like Pierluigi Collina was again the villain as he allowed the same Airdrie
attacker to take advantage of a 5-yard offside start to send the visitors into
dreamland.
Sparta were stung and went to 3 at the back. Just on 70 minutes, Kelly's
cross was finished at the second time of asking by Montgomery. 10 minutes
later Kelly turned from provider to taker as he struck home on the half
volley following a melee in the box.
Taylor came close when his volley just squeezed past the post from 20 yards.
Sparta went 2 at the back in their search for a leveller but it was not to
be as Anderson spurned their last good chance over the bar.
Full time: Sparta Jag 2 Airdrie United 3
Team: Gordon Burnside; Colin Reston, Kenny Montgomery, Steven Samson, Andy
McIntyre; David Anderson, Alan Maxwell, James Taylor, Ryan O'Donnell; Charlie
Kirkwood, Robert Stirling.
Subs: Steven Fyfe, Kevin Kelly, Ross Ferguson, Paul Duncan, James Hamilton.
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