Friday August 23, 2013
SPFL League One
Airdrieonians
0-6
Rangers
MacLeod 19
Little 37
Crawford 49
Trialist 66, 71
Trialist 69
Airdrieonians are still looking for their first league win of the season after Rangers stayed perfect at New Broomfield.
Trialist striker Jon Daly bagged a brace with Lewis MacLeod, Andy Little, Robbie Crawford and trialist midfielder Nicky Law also on target.
Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle handed a start in central defence to Gregor Buchanan who was one of three changes to the side which lost 1-0 to Stenhousemuir last weekend.
Jamie Bain and Willie McLaren were also promoted from the bench with Mick O'Byrne, Martin Hardie and Garry Hay all named as substitutes.
Airdrie made a bright start in front of a sell-out crowd with Willie McLaren having a shot touched wide by keeper Scott Gallacher - although no corner was given.
At the other end, MacLeod was denied by keeper Colin Stewart but popped up with the opener six minutes later.
The Rangers forward accepted a pass from Crawford and, with plenty of time and space, drilled a low shot into the corner of the net.
Northern Irish international Little came close in the 27th minute before the home side had their best spell of the first half.
Some near build-up play saw Jim Lister fire an effort inches past the post shortly after claims for a penalty, following a Lee McCulloch handball, were turned down by referee Stephen Finnie.
Rangers were dangerous in the final third of the pitch and made it 2-0 in the 36th minute. Ian Black's free-kick was nodded down by Daly for Little to lash the ball into the roof of the net.
There were chances for both sides just before the break. An overhead kick by Little was saved by Stewart with McLaren sending a shot into the side-netting four minutes later.
Ally McCoist's men added a third goal in the 48th minute. Wallace powered into the area and delivered a low cross which deflected into the path of Crawford who fired home.
Rangers could have made it 4-0 three minutes later but Daly's attempt, at the back post from Little's cross, was just wide.
The former Dundee United star would not be denied, though, and converted a cross from Crawford beford Law stroked in a fifth in the 69th minute.
Airdrie were being cut to ribbons at the back and went 6-0 down soon after - Daly again hitting the target and thrilling the travelling support.
Boyle's men managed to keep Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and will be desperate to bounce back in the second round of the League Cup at home to Livingston on Tuesday night.
Colin Paterson at New Broomfield.
Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.