Airdrieonians...2

Alloa Athletic...1

A late fightback from 10-man Alloa was not enough to salvage a point from the game as Airdrie emerged winners at the Excelsior Stadium.

Andy Ryan was at the heart of both goals for the home side, cutting a low ball across the box for Jim Goodwin to direct into his own net before stroking home Adam Brown’s through ball just before the half.

Scott Taggart’s volley mounted pressure on Airdrie, but the Diamonds held on to secure a fifth consecutive win.

A cagey opening period saw a penalty claim for the home side in the 6th minute as Iain Russell released Ryan, who rounded Neil Parry before losing his footing. However, referee Mike Rancone waved play on.

The first clear cut opportunity for the Wasps fell to Iain Flannigan in the 18th minute, but the wide player could only divert his effort into the arms of Rohan Ferguson.

Jordan Kirkpatrick then tested the goalkeeper with a low effort from distance, but it was gathered at the second attempt.

The Wasps’ captain Jason Marr left play with a knock midway through the first half and Airdrie began to take advantage of the backline’s reshuffle.

Goodwin picked up a booking in the 26th minute for upending Ryan. The resulting free-kick from Brown was curled over the wall but proved comfortable for Parry.

The 30th minute then saw Russell feed Ryan on the right, who drove a fizzing low ball across the face of the goal and Goodwin could only direct his clearance into the back of the net.

As the half neared a close, Kirkpatrick caused more problems for Airdrie and the midfielder’s placed effort from range was turned wide by Ferguson.

Scott Taggart then had a pop in the 44th minute, beating his man on the right before rifling the ball towards goal. Ferguson again replied with a stunning stop.

Airdrie got their second with the last kick of the half as Brown sliced open the Alloa defence with a swerving through ball. Ryan met the pass to strike low under Parry.

The main talking point of the second half came in the 52nd minute when Goodwin was given his marching orders.

The player-manager slid in from behind to challenge Ryan in the middle of the pitch and despite making contact with the ball, the referee produced a second yellow and then red card.

However, the Wasps were galvanised by the sending off and pressed higher as they sought to get back into the encounter.

Kirkpatrick once again showed neat footwork in the 57th minute and bent an effort towards the top right corner but Ferguson reacted well to palm the ball over the bar.

Alloa received a lifeline ten minutes later as Calum Waters surged forward and played a deep ball into the box from the byline, which was met on the volley by the late run of Scott Taggart.

The Diamonds should have put the game beyond all doubt when Iain Russell was threaded in on goal by Brown in the 77th minute. However, the forward’s toe-poke was blocked by the legs of Parry before his second bite at the cherry could only be sent wide.

Airdrie began to turn the screw and Brown’s driven effort from the edge of the area was expertly tipped over the bar by Parry in the 84th minute.

The goalkeeper kept Alloa in the game again a minute later when he managed to push Joe Gorman’s bullet header onto the post.

The last chance of the game would fall to Waters in the second minute of stoppage but the fullback’s hopeful half volley cleared the bar.

The gaffer was first to take responsibility for the result after the game.

Jim Goodwin told Advertiser Sport: “I’m well aware that the stories written will be about me, an own goal and then sent off, but I’m pleased with the players.

“I thought they kept going and going. It’s very easy to chuck it but they didn’t.

“I’m grateful to them for their commitment and effort, but obviously we’re disappointed.”

Alloa Athletic: Parry, Taggart, Waters, Graham, Marr (Hoggan), Goodwin, Cawley (Longworth), Robertson, Spence, Kirkpatrick, Flannigan (Hynd). Subs not used: Scullion, Martin, Layne, McDowell.