Scott Taggart Penalty Sends Alloa Ahead 1-0 in Airdrieonians Vs Alloa Athletic
Scott Taggart’s 18th-minute penalty gave Alloa Athletic a 1-0 first-leg lead over Airdrieonians on Tuesday night in airdrieonians vs alloa athletic. The result sends Airdrieonians to the Albert Bartlett Stadium a goal down in the tie and leaves Alloa with a one-goal advantage before the second leg.
Taggart Strikes on 18 Minutes
Alloa needed one clean moment to settle the semi-final, and Taggart supplied it from the spot. Airdrieonians had the earlier opportunities, with Euan Henderson firing straight at Liam McFarlane before the breakthrough.
Once the penalty went in, Airdrieonians had no reply. Alloa also went close to adding a second when Callum Burnside nearly doubled the lead with a volley before the flag was raised.
Andy Graham’s Alloa Response
Alloa manager Andy Graham said the side was “excellent” and praised the work rate that underpinned the result. “What pleased me the most was their work rate in and out of possession,” he said. “They were so pleasing on the turnover.”
He pointed to the move that led to the goal, saying: “That’s what we spoke about before the game – how quick could we get the ball forward when we win it back and the goal comes from that.” Graham added: “Taggs slots the penalty away and I felt as if we created a lot of chances tonight.”
Four Changes Before Queen of the South
Alloa made four changes from Saturday’s defeat to Queen of the South. Charlie Dewar returned to the back line after dropping out minutes before kick-off and replaced David McKay, while Cameron O'Donnell shifted to left back as Calum Waters went to the bench.
Steven Hetherington rounded off the midfield, and Kalvin Orsi and Calum Gallagher missed out, replaced by Lewis Stewart and Luke Donnelly. Gallagher was absent from the squad entirely after his knock against Queen of the South, a change that still left Alloa organised enough to protect the lead once they had it.
Alloa now carry that 1-0 cushion into the second leg at the Albert Bartlett Stadium, where Airdrieonians have to chase the tie from a goal down.
