Ayr we go

AND so it has come to this. One game for Airdrie United to save their first division bacon.

On Sunday, the Diamonds' destiny will finally be decided. We will know if we have matches against Partick Thistle, Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic to look forward to.

Or acknowledge that trips to East Fife, Arbroath and Brechin City in the second division lie ahead.

The first leg of the first division relegation play-off final at Ayr United on Thursday night was a cracker. A 2-2 draw, everyone who ventured to the South Ayrshire coast was treated to a game full of drama, excitement and incident.

It was a great advert for the SFL. Any neutrals who attended or tuned in on the telly must have been impressed at the intensity of the football served up.

For those of us following Airdrie's fortunes particularly closely, it was a night of mixed emotions. With Kenny Black's men 2-0 up, the mood was ecstatic. Come full-time, the elation had been curtailed somewhat.

The season has lasted a full ten months, and in that time, I've heard the phrase: "If there is a difficult way to do something, Airdrie will find it," on countless occasions.

I now know what those people mean.

In some ways, it is good(?) to know that we go every week to watch a team where it's best to expect the unexpected. But, on the other hand, wouldn't it be nice going along to New Broomfield on Sunday thinking that survival will be guaranteed?

With Airdrie, there are no guarantees and that is why I am not going to bother making a prediction.

If the players produce the performance they did in the first half on Thursday, they will win and stay up. If they repeat their second half efforts, they will not.

Over to you, lads. Will the good Airdrie United please stand up - your town needs you.