Airdrie's search for a first League One win continues after they were beaten 3-1 by Ross County at home. The result leaves John Rankin's men second bottom with two defeats and two draws from their opening four games, following last season's relegation from the Championship.
The Diamonds slipped to back-to-back league defeats, following last week's 4-0 derby loss at Hamilton Accies. First-half goals from Adam Emslie and Jamie Lindsay put County in control, and although Lewis Gibson's curling effort raised hopes of a comeback, Akil Wright's 74th-minute header sealed the points for the Highlanders.
Early setbacks for the Diamonds
Airdrie were forced into an early change when Gavin Gallagher went down injured on the main stand touchline and had to be replaced by Kian Taylor after only 12 minutes. The visitors had earlier claimed for a penalty when Craig Ross blocked a Brian Graham strike, but referee Cameron Stirling was not interested in claims of a handball.
In the 26th minute, Airdrie fell behind. Luke McCarvel slipped the ball out to Emslie on the edge of the box, and an unfortunate slip from Sam Fisher saw him hit the deck, allowing Emslie to slam a low strike into the bottom corner. Eight minutes later, County doubled their lead when Jamie Sneddon saved an Emslie effort, but the rebound fell to Graham, who cut the ball back for Lindsay to score from the penalty spot.
Second-half fightback falls short
Airdrie came out with purpose after the break, and five minutes in Gibson collected Kian Taylor's pass on the edge of the County box, sold his marker a dummy, and curled a delightful strike into the bottom corner. Straight from the kick-off, Airdrie won possession and Gibson was sent clean through, but his curling effort flashed wide of the far post.
County had a lucky escape in the 71st minute when a cut-back found a player on the penalty spot, whose shot beat Sneddon but came back off his own player, with Lindsay inadvertently blocking the goal. The third goal came three minutes later when substitute Richard Chin swung in a corner and Wright powered a header into the net.
Frustration grows among fans
A smattering of boos at the end of both halves from the Airdrie faithful suggests some supporters are already frustrated. Airdrie have scored just twice and shipped eight goals in the league, and have won only twice in nine games in all competitions, losing five. They host East Fife next week.
The Diamonds made four changes from the Hamilton defeat, with Declan Gallagher starting against his former side alongside AJ Bridge, Callum Burnside and Liam McLeish. Former Airdrie man Lewis Strapp started for the Staggies.
