Youths Progress In Scottish Cup

COWDENBEATH U20 2, AIRDRIE UNITED U20 1

We moved into the last 16 of the Scottish Youth Cup with a hard fought win over the Diamonds at Dunfermline High School.

The game opened at a frantic pace and Airdrie almost opened the scoring after seven minutes when Brown played the ball down the right wing to McKenna who sent a cross into our box which fell to Watt who eventually shot wide of goal.

However it was Cowden who opened the scoring five minutes later when McDonald, who had replaced the injured McNeill, fired a long ball to Anthony who coolly ran into slot a low shot past Grier from 12 yards.

We then doubled their advantage after 16 minutes when from a Callaghan corner Jack Nicholson rose to head home despite the efforts for defender Haggerty to clear the ball on the line.

We then had further chances to increase their lead in the first period with Anderson heading just over and Nicholson having an effort cleared off the line, while in reply Robertson sent a shot just over as the Diamonds looked to reduce the deficit.

With 12 minutes of the second half gone the visitors got back into the tie when a header from Wright came back off the crossbar and the ball eventually fell to Christian McKenna who shot home from 12 yards.

A minute later a Callaghan free kick caused problems in the Airdrie box with Anthony eventually falling to Anthony who shot past the post while at the other end Wilson done well to block an effort from substitute McGuigan.

As the game drew to a close the Diamonds threw everything forward looking for an equaliser but the defence remained resolute to seal their win.

TEAM: Lee Wilson, Michael Fleming, Murray Christie, Callam McNeill (Stewart McDonald 9), Dale Finnie, Aron Lynas, Ben Anthony, Liam Callaghan, Craig Johnston, Jack Nicholson & Ethan Anderson (Lea Schiavone 45). Sub not used – Fraser Sutherland.

AIRDRIE UNITED: Jonny Grier, Ryan McSherry, Mark O’Hagan, Grant Drummond, Jack Haggerty, Liam Watt, Tom Robertson (Kiern Toland 89), Dean Crabbe, Christian McKenna, Jordan Wright (Steven McGinty 84) & Lee Brown (Tyler McGuigan 53). Sub not used – Kyle McBeth. 

REFEREE: Mr Scott Lambie.