Airdrie United Preview

Last updated : 19 July 2005 By Firparkcorner

This is the first time we will face the ‘new’ Airdrie (or ‘old’ Clydebank!) and it will hopefully provide a little more pep than normal pre-season games. The last friendly match between the teams was for the opening of the stadium and we cruised to a 2-0 win. However the last competitive game resulted in a win for our dear neighbours when Keith Lasley thrashed home a late own goal.

It all goes wrong
It would be nice for Airdrie United (even Hamilton) to get promoted into the top league to give us more regular derbies but in the mean time this will have to do. Sadly for Airdrie they do appear to be a distance from challenging for promotion but the First Division is very open this season and they could always spring a surprise. They are aided by ex-Motherwell player Kevin Barkey whilst Willie McLaren has been getting rave reviews and has been linked to several bigger sides.

For us, it will be another bounce game. The fans will obviously care a bit more about the result than usual but no doubt Terry and Maurice will have the players well aware that this is still only a friendly and injuries are to be avoided at all coasts. Stevie Hammell may get a run out after missing some matches through injury but everyone else (McBride apart) should be available for selection.

It’s a shame it’s only a friendly but beating Airdrie is always nice – we should make our superiority show with a 2-0 win.