Airdrie 1, Queen of the South 3: Diamonds fail to shine as they fall to first defeat in eight
dailyrecord.co.ukAirdrie's hopes of a third-placed League One finish are hanging by a thread, going into the last game of the season at Edinburgh next Saturday, after they fell to a first defeat in eight games.Clinical Queen of the South despatched them with two goals inside two first-half minutes and a stunning free kick with eight minutes left.It's now only goal-difference separating Airdrie from Alloa Athletic, who as things stand will face either Championship second-bottom side Cove Rangers or Hamilton Accies in their play-off semi-final.The Diamonds, who pulled a consolation goal back through sub Salim Kouider-Aissa with 20 minutes left, will face Scottish Cup semi-finalists Falkirk if they hold on to third place.Former Hearts star Harry Cochrane had Queen of the South ahead 20 minutes in, and they doubled that lead two minutes later through ex-Albion Rovers defender Euan East.Airdrie made changes at the interval and second half, and Kouider-Aissa headed in Charlie Telfer's cross to halve the deficit.But Paton sent an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to seal the win in 83 minutes.Airdrie weren't at their best in the first half, but weren't miles behind Queen's either, who were clinical with their chances as Lewis Gibson in particular caused them problems with his deliveries.The second half was much the same, as Airdrie tried to get themselves into the game but didn't really test Botterill, while Queens, in control of the game, were content to hit on the counter-attack.Airdrie did pull the goal back, and threw on Gabby McGill with 12 minutes left, but even he couldn't rescue a point.Airdrie boss Rhys McCabe made three changes from the side that drew against leaders Dunfermline here last week.
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