Dundee 3
Airdrieonians (1878-2002) 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Dundee may have fallen behind their more illustrious neighbours United in the finer points of the game, but no way can the Dark Blues' endeavour be faulted, especially here.

On a ground like cast iron, they adopted similar tactics in this relegation tussle. They tackled quickly and solidly, then played the long ball to keep Airdrie on the turn.

Even Robin Cousins would have found it difficult to swivel out there.

Airdrie were outplayed and can have no complaints at losing. They couldn't even blame the pitch. It was difficult, but definitely playable.

Apart from anything else, this result is a great psycho logical boost for Dundee. It eases them out of the two relegation spots, albeit on goal difference, with Airdrie slipping below them.

Dundee's heartening efforts brought some warmth to their fans on a day as cold as charity. The small, but noisy crowd were quick to acknowledge their efforts.

Kidd, Fraser and Cameron had a stranglehold on midfield, Glennie and MacDonald kept the potentially dangerous Clark quiet, while the off-the-ball movement of their front three had Airdrie's defence worried all afternoon. How glad Dundee must be the city survived the threatened snow all week to allow them to cash in.

Yet it looked at the start as if it might all go wrong for them. Little Willie McGuire stole in behind the defence and carefully lobbed the ball against and over Blair. A little too carefully as it turned out because Glennie managed to sprint back and head to safety.

As things transpired, that was Dundee's last moment of worry. By the time Airdrie did score, there was time to only re-centre the ball.

Dundee went ahead when skipper Cameron swung over a left-wing free-kick. Ferguson touched it on and Iain MacDonald swept the ball into the bottom corner.

Before the interval, Dundee manufactured a fine move between Ferguson and Sinclair, which allowed Mackie through. Peter chipped two defenders, but shot inches over. What a goal that would have been!

Even a desperate dual substitution - Thompson and Steele for Walker and McGuire-failed to force Airdrie back into this four-pointer.

Instead, it was Dundee who went further ahead with a magnificent second goal. Mackie sent Ferguson clear on the right. He measured a strong accurate cross and Eric Sinclair bulleted home the classic header.

Cammy Fraser rounded off an excellent afternoon's work by blasting in a spectacular third. He caught the ball while on the run and leathered it past the bemused Martin from 25 yards.

Airdrie's crumb of comfort came with the fans drifting away for the warmth of the nearest pub. Left-back Jim Rodger headed in a right-wing corner off the underside of the bar.

On this occasion, Dundee were without an obvious weakness. It may suit them to hurry and play all their games while conditions are like this. They certainly adapted like natives from the North Pole.

Airdrie went through a nightmare 90 minutes. Their normal fire and fury seemed to be frozen like the conditions. Only Anderson and Clark caught the eye.

Match report written by The Sunday Post