John Rankin's reign as Airdrieonians manager began with a 1-1 draw against League Two side Elgin City at New Broomfield on Saturday. The former Hamilton Academical boss, who left the crisis-hit club in November, fielded 12 trialists as he assesses his options following a summer clear-out.
Early Action and Elgin's Opener
New signing Sam Fisher was called into action early, clearing a dangerous free-kick with a strong header as Oliver Colloty threatened from close range. At the other end, a Robbie Mahon corner had to be cleared off the line by the Elgin defence.
However, Airdrie fell behind in the 15th minute when a poor clearance was intercepted by Jack MacIver 12 yards out, allowing the striker to slot home past Cade Melrose.
Quick Equaliser and Missed Chances
The Diamonds responded swiftly. Seven minutes after going behind, Robbie Mahon was sent clean through one-on-one and poked the ball beyond Elgin keeper Joe Morrison to make it 1-1.
Airdrie nearly took the lead moments later when Divine Iserhienrhien burst forward and set up a trialist, whose fierce shot was saved by Morrison's chest. The ball spun towards goal but was cleared before a rebound could be bundled home.
Another huge chance came on the half-hour mark when Iserhienrhien skewed the ball wide from inside the six-yard box after meeting a trialist's cross at the front post.
The first half ended with a lengthy injury delay as Elgin's Evan Towler was stretchered off with a shoulder injury.
Second Half Changes
Rankin made 11 changes at half-time, introducing a completely fresh lineup including new signings Matty Yates, Dapo Mebude, and seven trialists.
In the 68th minute, Airdrie's trialist goalkeeper made a fine stop to deny Elgin's trialist striker one-on-one. From the rebound, City skipper Russell Dingwall's lob landed on the roof of the net.
At the other end, Craig Ross should have headed Airdrie in front from a corner but got under the ball and powered his effort over the bar from three yards, punching the post in frustration.
In the 77th minute, a cross fell kindly for an Airdrie trialist striker 10 yards out, but he curled his shot straight into the hands of the Elgin goalkeeper.
Looking Ahead
Rankin admitted earlier in the week he has a 'blank canvas' after several summer exits, with the trialist-heavy squad showing work is in progress ahead of their Premier Sports Cup opener away to Dundee on July 11.
Next up for the Diamonds is a friendly at Championship side Ayr United on July 4, kick-off 1pm.
Airdrieonians: Melrose, Fisher, Simpson, Mahon, Gallagher, Trialist, Trialist, Iserhienrhien, Hamilton, Trialist, Trialist. Subs: Trialist, Trialist, Walczak, Ross, Mebude, Yates, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, C.Williams, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist. Goals: Mahon 22.
Elgin City: Morrison, Towler, Girvan, Murray, Dingwall, Gallagher, Colloty, Neill, Hyde, Grant, MacIver. Subs: Chapman, Cameron, Trialist, Machado, Ewan, MacDonald, Taylor, Trialist, Trialist, Rothnie. Goals: Maciver 15.
Half-time: 1-1.
