It was a later kick off than usual for the Garnethill team as they travelled Airdrie for a Scottish cup tie against AS Airdrie. With a few key players missing the Rovers started with a 4-4-2 formation. The Rovers were unlucky to find themselves 1-0 down after 2 mins and responded well after changing the system to a 433 controlling the games and creating a few chances along the way. On 13 mins Garnethill's continuous pressure paid off with a goal from David Clancy. Paul Gallagher played a great ball forward, flighting the ball in behind the AS back 4 from the left back position, Alf ran onto the through ball and lobbed the keeper. AS Airdrie came back into the game and the don was showing them some good hands on defending. But on 20minutes AS managed to sneak 2 quick goals, totally against the run of play.
The first half ended with some good pressure and the Rovers were unlucky to find themselves trailing at the interval. It was a return for the injured Mark Lyons as he replaced Deej at half time, Kevin Donaghy moved to CB and Mark Lyons come in at RB.
The second half started very quick with the Rovers trying to get themselves back into the game. On the 65th minute it was a double change for Garnethill, Anton Conetta and Liam Donaghy had put in a great shift and came off to make way for the return of Kevin Gallagher and Martin Clancy. As the rovers continued to chase the game their hard work was finally rewarded on the 70th minute when they were given a penalty after Fraser Veitch was pushed in the box. The penalty was calmly tucked away into the keeper top right hand corner by fans favourite Frank Coia. As the rovers pushed for an equaliser the Airdrie team broke down the left flank, Mark Lyons made up the ground like a gazelle on speed however after catching the AS striker went to ground inside the box, this resulted on AS Airdrie getting a penalty and Mark getting his 2nd red card of the season.
With the rovers being down by 1, having 10 men and the opposition having a penalty the game was looking grim for the Garnethill faithful at the side of the park. However, a great save from Lefty pushing the ball past his right hand post kept the Rovers believing they could still pull off a fantastic fight back.
Unfortunately, Garnethill could not level the score and leaving themselves stretched conceded a late 4th with a poor pass from Kevin Gallagher to Stuart Conway which allowed the AS striker to run beyond the Rovers defence and slot home with the final kick of the match. It was disappointing for the Rovers to go out but with the team putting in a good performance against a strong opposition the players could hold their heads up high.
Match Report by Martin Clancy and Lewis Barns
