Petrie ‘really happy’ at second-half showing

AIRDRIEONIANS 0 MONTROSE 1

Montrose bounced back from their opening day league defeat by Arbroath by visiting Airdrie for the first time in 30 years to defeat the Diamonds by a goal.

Stewart Petrie’s side showed the battling qualities they need this season to ensure they keep their hard-won higher league status.

Manager Petrie said: “It was important to bounce back from last week.

“That is two sides in a row that will be competing for the top places this season, so I am really happy with the way we played, particularly in the second half.”

Captain Paul Watson might consider himself lucky not to have been sent off for a two-footed challenge on Airdrie midfielder Kyle Wilkie with 12 minutes gone.

Montrose had a couple of shooting opportunities shortly before the break.

Ross Campbell curled the ball from a free-kick wide to the right of keeper Scott Gallacher’s goal, then Watson fired a 20-yard effort wide left of the home net.

Four minutes into the second period Gallacher made an excellent diving save from a Jamie Redman 25-yard volley, turning the ball away for a corner.

The delivery was too strong but, from a position where he had his back to goal, Sean Dillon sent the ball back in over his shoulder and Ross Campbell headed it into the Airdrie net.

Airdrie made a double switch bringing on Joao Victoria and Leighton McIntosh.

A third enforced change came not long after when David Hutton had to come on for Scott Gallacher, who was stretchered off following a collision with Henderson.

Substitute keeper Hutton pulled off a superb save from Montrose replacement Liam Callaghan’s 25-yard shot six minutes from time.

Airdrie had a couple of late chances but were unable to convert them.

Goalscorer Ross Campbell said: “Sean did well to get the ball back in as the corner was beyond us and I reacted by getting in front of their defender and was fortunate to head it into the net.”