AIRDRIE gave themselves hope that they still can avoid the dreaded play-offs as they carved out a victory over a Ross County side that can still be caught by Kenny Black's side over the last two games of the season.
Stephen McKenna netted the wi
nner 20 minutes into the second half and the midfielder was also the centre of attention right on half time when referee Steve Conroy failed to penalise him for a blatant piece of handball in the penalty box.
The first half was played at a sedate pace, however chances were created at a fairly rapid rate with Mark McCulloch going close for the visitors in six minutes with a 25-yard shot. Airdrie responded with a Kevin McDonald drive that caused Derek Soutar to watch it carefully.
Richie Hart looked set to net for County in 25 minutes when the ball reached him two yards from goal, however Paul Lovering popped up and took the ball from the midfielder.
Airdrie's luck was definitely in on 45 minutes when Andy Dowie headed off the bar and with Craig Brewster looking set to knock in the rebound from a couple of yards out, McKenna palmed the ball away with Conroy ignoring appeals for a penalty.
With the news that Clyde were getting well beaten, Airdrie pushed for a winner and John Baird was inches away from netting.
Smith nodded the ball down to McKenna with the 22 year old drilling home a fine first time shot to keep the Diamonds holding on to their lifeline.
The full article contains 280 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
