Airdrieonians edged past St Mirren U21 1:0 in their third group stage match of the Challenge Cup on Monday evening. The result came from a single goal, scored late in the game by D. Mebude. It was a hard-fought contest that finished with the hosts holding on for the three points.
The decisive moment arrived in the seventy-seventh minute when Mebude found the net. After that, St Mirren pushed for an equaliser but could not break through. Airdrieonians ended a barren spell with the goal, and it was enough to see them through.
The statistics told a story of possession without penetration. Airdrieonians claimed 57 per cent of the ball and registered seven shots on target, yet created no big chances. They took six corners and had ten shots off target, while the accuracy rate of 39 per cent showed they struggled to test the keeper consistently.
St Mirren U21 had more attacks overall, 55 to 43, but their finishing was poor. They managed just one shot on target from their attempts, and the goalkeeper made six saves to keep the scoreline honest. Three yellow cards for the visitors suggested a game that grew edgy as the minutes wore on.
The result comes after a difficult run for Airdrieonians, who have lost three of their last five matches. St Mirren U21 had shown more attacking intent in their previous outings, but this was not one of those nights. The hosts now sit in a better position within the group standings.