Posted December 31, 2012

MATCH PREVIEW – AIRDRIE UNITED
 

We kick off our 2013 fixtures when we ‘First Foot’ Airdrie on Wednesday. It’s a big game for both clubs with the Diamonds just two points behind us in the Irn Bru First Division.

We have taken four points from the two previous games against Jimmy Boyle’s side with a win and a draw.

Back in September we ran out 3-0 winners at the Excelsior Stadium thanks to goals from Kyle Miller, Lewis Coult and Marc McKenzie, the last time we won a league game.

The return game at Central Park in November ended in a 1-1 draw with Gregor Buchanan cancelling out Greg Stewart’s opener.

We have been undefeated over the festive period with draws against both Livingston and Raith Rovers and Colin Cameron will be looking to build on our performances against the two mid-table sides.

Kenny Adamson will be eligible for selection following his one game suspension at the weekend.
 

COWDEN FORM

We have now gone 12 games without a win in the Irn Bru First Division during which time we have had six draws and six defeats.

The latest draw was last Saturday against Raith Rovers at Starks Park when Lewis Milne and Jamie Stevenson gave us a 2-0 half time lead before Dougie Hill and Greig Spence got the Rovers back into the match early in the second half.

Our away league record this season so far is 

Played 8, Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 4, Goals For 10, Goals Against 11, Points 8.
 

AIRDRIE UNITED FORM

Airdrie currently sit just below us in ninth place. The Diamonds are currently on a run of seven games without a league win and nine games overall including the Scottish Cup.

That last win came at the Bet Butler Stadium on 27th October when they staged a late comeback to beat Dumbarton 4-3.

Their last and only home league win of the campaign came on the opening day of the season when they beat the Sons 4-1.

After losing three successive league games during December they got a moral boosting draw with former league leaders Partick Thistle at the weekend.

John Boyle gave the Diamonds a half time lead with a Chris Erskine goal 11 minutes from time denying them a win.

Airdrie’s home record so far this season is

Played 9, Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 6, Goals For 10, Goals Against 21, Points 5.
 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

John Boyle has scored eight of the Diamonds 18 league goals so far this season and after scoring on Saturday will be looking to add to his tally.

At the other end of the park on loan keeper Grant Adam turned in a ‘Man of the Match’ performance against us at Central Park in November.
 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Taking charge of the match is George Salmond who by coincidence was the man in charge of our win at Airdrie back in September. In another twist of fate Mr Salmond was also the man in the middle during our 8-1 Scottish Cup win over Vale of Leithen in November – the last time we won a game!

Assistant Referees are Douglas Ross and Ralph Gordon.
 

ADMISSION

Adults - £16

Concessions - £10

Parent & Child - £20

Child (under 16) - £7
 

TRAVEL

The Miners Mini Tours bus will leave Central Park at 1 p.m. and has a number of seats for non- members with the following prices Adults - £13 and Concessions -£8.

To book a seat contact Jim Adamson on 01383 727719 or 07743612632.

Picture - (c) Jillian McFarlane.