Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Diamonds sparkle in Peterhead gloom Three goals in 20 minutes set Airdrie on way
The Diamonds kept pace with league leaders Livingston after a 4-2 win at Balmoor extended their winning streak to six matches.
Andy Ryan’s brace sandwiched Sean McIntosh and Iain Russell’s goals as Airdrie saw out the win after going 3- 0 up with only 20 minutes played.
Loanee Kyle Hutton made his debut in midfield for the Diamonds after joining from St Mirren.
It was dry and mild in the northeast but overcast conditions saw the floodlights turned on from the start of the match.
When the lights went out after 12 minutes referee Alan Newlands was content to continue in the fading daylight.
Suddenly the visitors sparked to life and three clinical attacks in seven minutes gave Mark Wilson’s side a superb early lead.
Andy Ryan was first to get his name on the scoresheet, latching on to a pass from strike partner Russell to slot home a trademark calm finish.
Only a minute later it was 2- 0 to Airdrie and Sean McIntosh was on hand to claim his first senior goal with a well placed header.
The hosts looked shell-shocked and the Diamonds took full advantage as forward duo Ryan and Russell combined again on 19 minutes.
A wonderful passing move down the left freed Ryan and, after edging ahead in the scoring charts, the hitman drew the keeper and unselfishly picked out Russell to pass the ball intothe net.
With their side rampant on the pitch, Diamonds fans started to voice their concerns over the floodlight problem as the daylight faltered.
However, minutes after the third went in the lights came back on, greeted by a cheer almost as loud as those for the goals.
Peterhead pulled one back before half-time when Nicky Riley rifled home the rebound after some good work from Simon Ferry.
Airdrie were on top but Peterhead were offered the chance to notch a second in the 64th minute when Newlands awarded a penalty after some crowding in the box.
But Rohan Ferguson sensationally saved Kevin Dzierzawski’s strike.
The hosts gave Airdrie cause for concern when they reduced the deficit on 85 minutes through a second penalty award.
But Ryan put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, slotting home Schmidt’s cut-back.