It was a throwback to past times. Motherwell sported the classic claret and amber strip while Airdrie were in their traditional diamond outfit. Only numbers to identify the players, we could have been back in the 50s or 60s.
Motherwell started with the same eleven that disposed of Edinburgh City in the previous round, a sign of confidence from Stephen Craigan.
The visitors kicked off with their backs to the travelling fans in the South Stand but it was our boys that made the better start. They were composed and happy to pass their way up the park. Fry forced Ferguson into a save with a 20 yard effort after 10 minutes.
Airdrie replied with a cross from Brown and a header on target from Russell as the League One side started to find some rhythm. Our back line was tested a few times and Morrison did well to protect his goal.
On the half hour Morrison's lightning reaction tipped a deflected close range header from substitute Gorman over the bar. Hastie did well to force Ferguson into action and as the break approached the winger spun away from his marker only to lose possession as his boot came loose. That provided an opportunity for Airdrie and they charged to the Cooper end where Russell drove low into the corner of the net from 20 yards to open the scoring.
Airdrie got the perfect start to the second half when our defence stretched and Ryan had room in the box of a turn and shoot beyond Morrison. That sparked an immediate response from Motherwell and Mackin came close two minutes later. But the striker was not to be denied and in 54 minutes he thrashed the ball into the net to put us back in the game.
Watt had a blast from 30 yards that caught the side netting but we started to leave gaps at the back and Morrison kept us in contention with several fine stops. Falconer replaced Hastie and he came close in 72 minutes, a fine save from Ferguson denied him.
Scott came on for Turnbull with 10 minutes remaining and we pressed for the equaliser. There was a good penalty claim when Watt was felled by a couple of Airdrie defenders inside the box but referee Taylor was not convinced.
Ryan missed a sitter from very close range as Morrison got in the way of his effort and another great chance was squndered as the final whistle drew near.
Motherwell U20 1 Airdrie 2
Attendance 1,007 (276)
Team: Morrison, McMillan, Armstrong, Maguire, Watt, Campbell, MacLean (Moore 88), Turnbull (Scott 80), Mackin, Hastie (Falconer 65), Fry