The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Gable Endies grab narrow advantage
M1 0 ontrose edged this first leg Championship play-off – but the visitors always looked dangerous and it will no doubt take Saturday’s second leg to settle the outcome.
Craig Johnston put Montrose ahead in the eighth minute, knocking the ball into the net after a miscue by an Airdrie defender.
Minutes later, the Gable Endies might have gone two up but Scott Agnew headed off the line.
After 17 minutes an Airdrie cross from the right was easily gathered by home keeper Allan Fleming.
Airdrie’s Adam Frizzel was booked on 21 minutes.
Cammy Ballantyne latched on to a through ball into the visitors’ box but lost control at the vital moment.
On 27 minutes Terry Masson fired over from the edge of the visitors’ box.
Montrose fired past on 34 minutes and minutes later the visitors spurned an easy chance, Mcgill shooting weakly into the arms of keeper Fleming.
On 36 minutes Fleming missed a cross ball but Calum Gallagher’s effort hit the post.
Then after 38 minutes an Airdrie shot from Scott Agnew missed narrowly to the keeper’s left.
Montrose might have increased their lead on 41 minutes but Lyall Cameron’s shot was well saved by Currie in the Airdrie goal.
In opening moments of the second half Airdrie’s claims for a penalty were ignored by the referee.
And shortly after, Gallagher’s inviting crossed evaded everyone in the Montrose box.
With 55 minutes gone, Gallagher fired wide for Airdrie and at the other end, Michael Gardyne’s shot missed narrowly.
On 63 minutes a Craig Johnston shot was turned round the post for a Montrose corner and minutes later the same player saw another shot saved before Sean Dillon cleared an Airdrie effort at the other end.
On 70 minutes Gallagher fired his shot into the side netting from a decent position.
After 80 minutes Johnston of Montrose was shown a booking.
The final few minutes were frantic as Airdrie pressed forward looking for an equaliser, but with neither side finding the net both teams will have everything to play for in the second leg.