Airdrieonians FC vs Hamilton Academical FC
William Hill Championship
Excelsior Stadium
Saturday 8th March, 3pm
Aaron Lynch
FT AIRDRIEONIANS FC 2-1 HAMILTON ACADEMICAL FC
After a nail biting affair against league leaders Falkirk last weekend, Hamilton travelled the short
distance to take on Airdrie.
Looking to make it three Lanarkshire derby wins in a row, John Rankin made just one change to
his Accies XI as Jackson Longridge replaced Tony Gallagher at left back. 16 year old Aaron
Eadie returned to the squad for the first time since beating Dundee United B in the Challenge
Cup.
As for our hosts, they opted for four changes to the side that was beaten 0-3 against Falkirk on
Tuesday night.
KICK-OFF
The first major opportunity to open the scoring came Aidrie’s way as Aaron Reid latched onto a
ball in behind the Accies defence, one-on-one with Lyness, Reid’s shot hit the post and the
follow up effort was miraculously cleared off the line by Jackson Longridge.
Accies would have a chance of their own to take the lead in the 20th minute as Scott Robinson
was fouled on the edge of the box, setting up a dangerous free kick from 20 yards out. The man
who won it, took it and despite a fantastic effort, the ball flew just over the bar.
Moments later Airdrie found themselves in behind the Accies defence again, this time the
opportunity fell to Ben Wilson, his shot towards the far corner forced a phenomenal fingertip
save from Dean Lyness.
In the 35th minute, Oli Shaw found himself through on goal with a huge chance to put Hamilton
ahead, unfortunately his chipped effort clipped the outside of the post and the game remained
level.
With the first half drawing to a close Accies almost took the lead once more, the ball fell to Kyle
MacDonald on the edge of the penalty area and his powerful shot produced a great save from
Cade Melrose.
After an action packed first half both sides went into the break with work to do.
SECOND HALF
The opening stages of the second half saw a fast start from Hamilton. Reghan Tumilty drove
down the right hand side and unleashed a floating effort towards goal which went just wide of
the near post.
Airdrie created a chance of their own seconds later, Liam McStravick’s shot from close range
was well saved by Lyness then Ben Wilson put his follow up effort over the bar.
In the 65th minute Airdrie found the opening goal, a cut back was met by Adam Frizzell and his
close range shot looped over Lyness and into the far corner.
The following stages saw Accies pushing for an equaliser, in the 83rd minute Sean McGinty
provided just that. A fizzing ball in from Connor Smith was met by McGinty who calmly headed
in from close range to level the game.
Almost immediately Airdrie were back in front. Gavin Gallagher found himself in space at the
edge of the box and his pin-point effort found the far corner.
A disappointing end for Hamilton saw defeat in Airdrie
