Scottish League One: Three things we learned as Airdrie climb into third
Let’s look at the three talking points from Scotland’s third tier as momentum continues to grow at the top end of the table…
Telfer’s strike proves to be the difference as Airdrie edge past derby rivals
Airdrieonians 1-0 Clyde
A goal from Charlie Telfer in the 49th minute was enough as the Diamonds leapfrogged Edinburgh into third with a narrow victory over struggling Clyde at the Excelsior Stadium.
The win also means Rhys McCabe’s men continue their decent run of form with only one defeat in their previous 11 league matches as well as consecutive victories for the first time since November.
It’s a positive start to a potential season-defining month for the Diamonds ahead of a double-header with league leaders Dunfermline and home match against Falkirk, which will seriously test their promotion aspirations.
Meanwhile, Clyde, who remain embroiled in a scrap for survival are still searching for that elusive first league win since August, but can take heart from their first half performance which kept the score level.
The Bully Wee return to action in a fortnight’s time when they welcome basement club Peterhead in a bottom-of-the-table clash.
Airdrieonians player-manager, Rhys McCabe said: “We knew Jim has them [Clyde] well organised and that they would be difficult to break down, which they were for large parts. I don’t think we were at the same level of fluidity through the game in terms of our flow of football, but we still created decent enough chances. Overall, in terms of chances, we did enough to win the game.”
Clyde manager, Jim Duffy said: “A similar situation that’s been happening in a number of games, where the players gave everything. Their attitude and work ethic was tremendous, but we made an individual error and we got punished, which has happened too many times over the season. I can’t fault the players for what they’ve given against a very good side.”
Pars remain five points clear at the summit and continue flawless home record
Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 Montrose
Dunfermline stretch their unbeaten home record to 15 matches in all competitions with a routine victory over Montrose at East End Park.
Rhys Breen opened the scoring for the hosts with 10 minutes remaining until the interval, while Craig Wighton doubled their advantage shortly after the hour.
It is also 10 league matches without defeat for the Fife club who maintain their hold on top-spot and have the opportunity to increase their lead when they visit Airdrie next weekend.
The visitors, who remain sixth, have only tasted victory in one of their last nine league matches, however, are only four points behind the promotion play-off positions. Stewart Petrie’s side are next in league action when Edinburgh visit Links Park on 18 February.
Dunfermline Athletic manager, James McPake said: “I’m delighted for the players, that we got back to winning ways and I thought we were excellent all over the pitch. It was a pleasing performance.”
Falkirk fight back at the death to extend winning run to five matches
Kelty Hearts 1-2 Falkirk
Rumarn Burrell’s last-gasp winner ensured Falkirk snatched a crucial three points and avoided a blip in their promotion push with a win over Kelty Hearts at New Central Park.
Kallum Higginbotham’s 32nd minute opener for the hosts had the visitors facing a potential setback against a team who won their two previous meetings this season.
However, the Bairns rallied with new signing Jordan Allan’s equaliser in the 79th minute, before Burrell sealed a comeback win in stoppage time.
Edinburgh’s defeat to Queen of the South allowed John McGlynn’s charges to further consolidate second place and keep the pressure on Dunfermline. They will have the opportunity to shorten the gap to three points with victory in their game in hand over Alloa on Tuesday evening.
With what is only their second defeat in seven league matches, the Maroon Machine continue to hold their own in League One as they remain in eighth and 18 points clear of relegation danger. The Fife club are back on home soil against Queen’s in two weeks’ time.
Falkirk manager, John McGlynn said: “It was a scrappy game. We dominated the second half from start to finish and overall, we deserved to win the game. It is a big result for us. Dunfermline would have been looking at our result thinking we were dropping points, but we managed to win it. We had to find a way to win and we did.”
Results:
Alloa Athletic 1-0 Peterhead
Queen of the South 1-0 Edinburgh
Scottish League One Table: As It Stands