Stranraer 1 Airdrie United 1

Last updated : 10 December 2005 By Footymad Previewer

A share of the points was a fair outcome at the end of this evenly-balanced match.

Airdrie United clearly had the better of the first half, their eagerness and speed unsettling Stranraer, particularly in midfield, and they might have been a goal ahead through Stephen McKeown, whose sudden shot from 35 yards almost caught out home keeper Barry-John Corr.

He managed to beat down and clear the shot but later, on the half hour, the same player beat him from the penalty spot after Murray Henderson had pulled down Bryan Prunty in the home box.

For Stranaer, the best chance fell to Michael Moore who had a strong header cleared off the line by William McLaren.

Moore later had a free-kick, from the edge of the box well held by Airdrie keeper Robertson as the visitors held on to their lead towards the break.

The game looked to be going The Diamonds way until the 74th minute sending off of Martin Hardie. He saw straight red for his cynical chop on Hamilton 20 yards from goal and, from the resulting free-kick, Lee Sharp brought Stranraer level with a glorious shot which sailed into the top corner of Robertson's net.

Both sides had chances to claim all three points, but Stranraer skipper Allan Jenkins headed wide when it looked easier to score and, at the other end, Barry-John Corr pulled off a great last-gasp block to deny William McLaren.