Airdrieonians' unbeaten run is over after a 2-1 Lanarkshire derby defeat to Hamilton Academical at home. A late Gregor Crookston winner settled the contest, handing John Rankin's side their first loss in five matches across all competitions.
Josh Gentles had pulled the Diamonds level just after half-time, cancelling out Dom Thomas's opener. The loss leaves Airdrie with a record of one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five games as they prepare to visit league leaders Ross County this Saturday.
Rankin rings the changes
Head coach John Rankin made nine changes to the side that had beaten Hearts U21 in the Challenge Cup earlier in the week. Only goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams and defender Reghan Tumilty retained their starting spots. "As usual following KDM Evolution Trophy matches, head coach John Rankin made a raft of changes to the team which beat Hearts B on Tuesday evening," the club noted.
The reshuffled lineup created early chances. Lewis Gibson's cross just evaded Callum Burnside in the 11th minute, and a Declan Gallagher strike from a free-kick sailed over soon after. Hamilton grew into the game, with Andy Ryan hitting the post before Thomas broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.
Controversy and a quick response
The interval was marred by an altercation at the tunnel that saw red cards shown to Hamilton boss Darian McKinnon and Airdrie coach Callum Erskine. Airdrie responded instantly after the restart. Gentles won possession and saw his shot deflect off Tony Gallacher, looping over Dean Lyness to make it 1-1 inside two minutes.
The Diamonds felt aggrieved minutes later when Hamilton's Fergus Owens, already on a yellow card, committed a foul that many felt warranted a second booking, but only a free-kick was given. Further frustration followed when a Stuart Bannigan handball went unpunished despite the Accies midfielder being on a booking.
Injury forced another change as Declan Gallagher departed clutching his hip, replaced by Kwame Boateng. Substitute goalkeeper Cade Melrose, on for the injured Adams, made a fine save to deny Hamilton's McKinstry in the 70th minute. The resistance was broken eleven minutes later when Crookston fired home to secure the points for the visitors.
The Diamonds' full fixtures list shows the match at the Global Energy Stadium kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.
