Managers Post Airdrie United

06/03/10:- JM - "It was just pleasing to grind out a result - that is exactly what we did. Then we got a wee bit of luck at the other end. I am very pleased."

Jim McIntyre commented after the 2-0 win over Airdrie.

"It was difficult to play passing football on that pitch, it was really difficult. It was so bobbly and bouncing all over the shop. We had to go a bit more direct in the second half. Then I thought we looked a bit more threatening.

"Airdrie had two great chances near the end; Fleming had a great save and the boy miscued with one. David Graham also missed a one on one and Steven Bell missed one as well. We created more chances and goalscoring opportunities but it was a tight game where there was never much in the game at any stage. It was a real battle."

The Manager said that he was not in a position to see the incident that led to the 53rd minute penalty decision that changed the game:-

"Steven Bell went down but their keeper was claiming that he got a touch but Steven is claiming that he touched him first. I'd need to see it again.

"The ball in from Willie Gibson for the second goal was sensational. He is well capable of that and I am delighted for big Belly; he had a couple of opportunities just before that he did not manage to convert. It is great for him to get a goal because he has been doing really well for us and also gives us that physical presence in the middle of the park.

"It was just pleasing to grind out a result - that is exactly what we did. Then we got a wee bit of luck at the other end. I am very pleased."

Airdrie boss Kenny Black felt that it had been an unusual defeat in as much his side had created chances:-

"The first goal came from a penalty kick which I thought came into the soft category. We responded in the best possible way with two or three really good opportunities at goal. When you are presented with these chances I feel you have got to take them. That was the differences between the two teams.

"Our balls from free kicks and corners were of a better standard than they have been for a few weeks now. The defining one was the penalty kick which I thought was very soft. The keeper thought it was a soft one too but referees are there to make decisions and it is history now. Ultimately Dunfermline were 2-0 victors and I think you can see where the problems are. We are just not that little bit ruthless, it is nothing to do with us not having a game for a number of weeks because I thought that at times we did alright and played some decent stuff."

Having amassed a total of 11 points from 22 matches, the Airdrie boss conceded that all his team can do now is hang on in there. Ayr United in ninth are eight points ahead and Brian Reid's team defeated Morton in eighth so could go above them if they win their game in hand.

"It has been a long difficult season to say the least on numerous fronts and all you can try and do is try and pick the players up. We have Dunfermline on Tuesday night now and we must make sure that we compete in front of our home fans. We owe everyone connected with the club to go and give it our best shot between now and the end of the season."