Airdrie 3-1 Alloa

26 December 2021
3 - 1
Full Time

Highlights

Alloa have definitely had better afternoons.

Two former Wasps struck early with Callum Smith making a tidy run in behind, which was well picked out by McInroy, slotting underneath David Hutton to give the Diamonds the lead in just the second minute.

Calum Gallagher would prove tenacious enough to overcome Mark Durnan as both raced to the right channel from a hopeful long ball – but the Alloa goalkeeper, ill advisedly, charged out to leave himself in no mans land and Gallagher netted from a wide angle into the open goal.

Alloa’s best chance of the half would fall to Henderson. Gilmour picked out the advancing full-back Taggart, and he pinpointedly crossed to the on-loan Hearts striker. However, leaning back, he could only blaze over from inside the 18 yard box.

At half time, changes were necessary and they were delivered. Cameron O’Donnell was sacrificed for Conor Sammon while Fernandy Mendy replaced Andy Graham.

Hutton was called into action early by Gallagher with a low save but the loudest shout came from the Airdrie fans calling for an indirect free-kick after Hutton collected the awkward touch of Mendy.

But ignoring that early blip the changes were creating uncertainty for the Diamonds. With Sammon and Henderson, playing up front together. Sammon  was free to exploit the channel, and with a stepover drive towards the Airdrieonian’s goal. But even with the brilliant  build-up he could only screw his finish past the 6 yard box past the relieved Curry.

On 50 minutes, Durnan headed what looked to be a lifeline goal, but he strayed a yard offside in the build-up and accurately had his effort chalked off. Just 10 minutes later Alloa would kick themselves for not scoring when on top.

On the boundary of the 18 yard box, Kerr McInroy unleashed a piledriver through a crowd of Alloa players. The precision finish smashed the top corner of the net and added to the increasing mountain that Alloa found themselves under.

4 minutes later, Euan Henderson returned to goals via Church’s deep free-kick and Durnan’s aerial ability. He tapped home at the back post to give Alloa a possible foothold to bring themselves back in the game.

However, things looked grim minutes later, as Easton tripped over Cawley’s leg and was duly awarded a penalty. McCabe stepped up to spot kick duty. Although Hutton guessed correctly, he was beaten but the CB could not beat the bar and it ricocheted back and out of danger.

Easton was again a menace as he collected from a corner on the edge of the box. His first effort was blocked but the second attempt on his left foot was wickedly dipping towards Hutton’s goal. It rattled to post and bounced to safety as Airdrie threatened from a series of dangerous corners.

Easton would again strike the woodwork after a quick Airdrie counterattack culminated in two quick feints opening the space for a daisy cutter but the number 10 failed to convert again.

Alloa did land a golden opportunity after Adam King’s cross was fumbled by Currie after colliding with one of his own defenders. Senna was first to the ball although a myriad of Airdrieonian’s defenders blocked his route to goal he dinked it up and over for Sammon to finish. The Irishman couldn’t direct the effort goallwards with the ball harmlessly landing on the roof of the net.

Henderson would almost half the deficit with a late consolation after Mendy’s terrific dink  but Currie just managed to slap away the chance of the brace and the unlikely Alloa fightback.

After results elsewhere, we drop to 8th, picking up just two points of a possible eighteen and eight points in the last ten games.

Alloa Athletic

31David Hutton Goalkeeper
2Scott Taggart Defender
5Andy Graham 23 Defender
6Mark Durnan Defender
3Daniel Church Defender
15Charlie Gilmour 68'
8Jon Robertson 16 Midfielder
19Mouhamed Niang Defender
7Kevin Cawley Midfielder
20Cameron O’Donnell 18 Midfielder
22Euan Henderson Forward 65'
21Keir Burt Goalkeeper
4Craig Howie Defender
16Adam King 8 Midfielder
17Jordan Armstrong Defender
18Conor Sammon 20 Forward
23Fernandy Mendy 5 Defender
25Tom Leighton Defender

Ground

Excelsior Stadium
Penny Cars Stadium, Craigneuk Avenue, Islay, Craigneuk, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML6 8QZ, United Kingdom