AIRDRIE demonstrated the unpredictability of the First Division by ending a three-game losing streak in the league to upset the leaders. Goals from Joe Cardle and Simon Lynch were enough to secure the points for a side buoyed by last week's ALBA Cha
llenge Cup semi-final success.
The Diamonds took just seven minutes to break the deadlock following a scramble in the box. Paul Di Giacomo and Darren Smith had shots blocked but the ball fell for Cardle who clinically finished from six yards.
The visitors should have immediately been level but Stephen Dobbie headed straight at Stephen Robertson after Paul Burns' cross found him unmarked. Robertson was the busier keeper and did well to claw Michael McGowan's shot behind. However, Airdrie should have extended their lead when Scott McLaughlin found himself clean through, but Cammy Bell rushedfrom his line to block the midfielder's shot.
Airdrie doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Darren Smith and Di Giacomo worked the opening on the flank before Lynch found space to score with a 14-yard shot.
It almost got even better for the Diamonds on the restart but Di Giacomo's header glanced the bar on its way over.
At the other end, Smith was relieved when his miscued clearance also struck woodwork with Robertson beaten. But the Airdrie keeper continued to deny the Doonhamers with excellent saves from Craig Sives and Dobbie as Queens grew increasingly desperate.
The full article contains 259 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
