Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Dylan extends Diamonds’ run
Airdrie manager Ian Murray says his side have battled fitness concerns to come through three games in eight days with maximum points.
Dylan Easton’s goal in the second half sealed all three points for the Diamonds away to Dumbarton on Sunday, as they maintained their place in third and extended the gap on fourth placed Queen’s Park to eight points.
It capped off a great eight days for Airdrie in which they beat Alloa 3-1 on Boxing Day and promotion rivals Queen’s 1-0 on December 29.
Murray says his side showed the gritty elements of their game to ensure a vital victory that keeps the pressure on those around them at the top of League One.
He said: “It’s a great win for us. The conditions were difficult for both sets of players but I felt over the piece of the game it was one we deserved to win.
“It was tight but it always is down here. It is a very difficult place to come so we are delighted with the three points. It keeps us ticking along nicely but we need to recover very quickly.
“It’s been a great festive period for us. It was a concern for me earlier this week with the amount of games coming so quick. We’ve had some injuries and we have had to battle through it.
“Full credit must go to all the players, not just the ones who played and came off the bench. It’s been a real team effort this week.
“I said at the start of the week that If we got through it with nine points and no more injuries then we couldn’t ask for anything more. We’ve done that but we have to move on fairly quickly.”
Goalscorer Easton won the plaudits of his manager after a strong performance and a goal helped Airdrie over the finishing line.
He also scored from a corner but it was ruled out for a foul on Dumbarton goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom, Murray not agreeing with the decision.
The Diamonds return to action on Saturday against League One’s basement club, East Fife.
Murray added: “Dylan showed that bit of quality as he’s great with his feet - that’s why we have him. There are obviously some bits in his game that we still need to work on.
“In terms of getting the ball in and around the box, he causes lot of problems for a defence. He can go left, he can go right, and he can finish as well.
“It looked as if we should have had a couple of extra goals. The corner in the first half looked like a goal to me but the referee has made a call.
“Rhys Mccabe hits the post from a free-kick too so it could have been more. It was a very tight game and it is fine lines which separate the wins and the draws. We are just delighted we got over the line.”