McBride hails glowing display but wants grit from Diamonds
The Airdrie caretaker boss was delighted as his side cruised two goals ahead on opening day thanks to Iain Russell’s penalty and a Marc Fitzpatrick header.
And while battling Queen’s Park reduced the def icit through a Fitzpatrick own goal, Adam Brown wrapped up a brilliant three points.
McBride said: “It’s a great win for the boys – the most important thing was getting a winning start.
“We played some nice stuff but we make it difficult for ourselves by overplaying at certain times when we should be trying to see the game out.
“We have one of the youngest squads in the league and game management is something you get with more experience. “Queen’s Park can take a lot credit from the game but the win is massive in terms of confidence.” Former Airdrie striker Aiden Malone almost stunned his old club after just 41 seconds. Fitzpatrick lost control of the ball inside the Spiders half with Gus MacPherson’s men breaking quickly. Darren Miller fed Malone who took aim from the edge of the box but the ball crashed back off the bar. Paul Woods should have blasted his side in front after 18 minutes but his effort from Miller’s cutback was well saved by Rohan Ferguson. Queen’s were the better team but
Colin Paterson
lacked a cutting edge in the final third and it was the Diamonds who took the lead in 29 minutes.
A Ryan Conroy shot was blocked by the defence but keeper Andrew Murphy was slow to the loose ball and brought down Russell.
Ref David Lowe pointed to the spot with Russell netting from 12 yards.
Airdrie doubled their advantage soon after the restart when C on r o y
delivered a fine corner which found Fitzpatrick who powered a header home.
It should have been 3- 0 six minutes later when trialist Jack Leitch played a ball over the top for Kevin Schmidt but the Dutch striker’s shot hit the post.
Queen’s pulled one back in 82 minutes when Miller’s corner led to the own goal.
And there were chances to level. Sub Ewan MacPherson had an effort tipped over by Ferguson before Adam Cummins headed wide Miller’s free-kick. But the Diamonds made the game safe in the last minute when a long- range shot from Brown deflected into the net. Frustrated Spiders gaf fer MacPherson said: “We made an excellent start and created chances but you’ve got to take them.”