Queen of the South draw was a decent result, says Airdrie striker

Callum Smith says Airdrie were disappointed to draw 1-1 at Queen of the South on Saturday, but it has to be seen as a good point on the road.

The Diamonds took the lead through Calum Gallagher’s third goal of the season after just 19 minutes, but veteran Gavin Reilly levelled for the Doonhamers in 61 minutes.

Striker Smith admits his side were disappointed in the Palmerston Park dressing room, but he now looks on it as a decent result.

He said: “We were looking for the win, and the fact we went 1-0 up in the first half and played very well, we came in at the end of the game a wee bit disappointed with the draw.

“But when you look at it, it’s actually a really good point in the end.

“People are going to go there and struggle, it’s a hard place to go, and the heat made it a tough game for the boys.

Smith says Palmerston is a difficult place to go to and other teams will struggle (John Steven)

“Overall, I think a point is a decent result. They came down from the higher league and it was always going to be a hard game, especially away from home.

“It’s always a hard place to go to and the pitch, as people know, is sticky and very hard to play on. We were just very happy to get the point.”

Ex-Diamonds keeper Max Currie was tested early on as he blocked a Lewis Jamieson shot with his feet, and took a Smith effort in 15 minutes, three minutes after Adam Frizzell sent a powerful shot wide of target.

The visitors took the lead in 19 minutes when player-boss Rhys McCabe’s free kick was spilled by Currie and Gallagher pounced to net.

Queens threatened in 23 minutes when Reilly took advantage of a Callum Fordyce slip, but saw his shot turned round the post by Murray Johnson.

Smith says the Diamonds will take the point and move on (SNS Group)

They levelled in 61 minutes when Ruari Paton picked out Reilly and he squeezed a shot in at the far post.

Smith nearly restored Airdrie’s lead in 74 minutes as he flicked a Craig Watson cross over Currie, only for McKay to clear.

But Johnston made a superb save to deny Iain Wilson’s stinging drive with seven minutes left.

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