Airdrie United 2-2 Raith Rovers (Agg 4-2)

May 4 2008 Michael Baillie Reports

KENNY BLACK saw his Airdrie side book a play-off final showdown with Clyde then urged them to use last year's heartache as motivation to win it.

The Diamonds took a two-goal lead from the first leg into this semi-final and held their nerve to see off a plucky Raith outfit.

Brian Prunty and Bobby Donnelly netted for the home side while Graham Weir hit a brace for Rovers as they battled bravely.

Now boss Black wants his troops to use the pain of losing last year's play-off final against Stirling to spur them on this time.

He said: "We've done half the job and will now have another long week.

"Some of the lads experienced the low when we lost the final last year and hopefully that will spur them on not to repeat it.

"We've been expected to go up as we're full-time but we've come through a tough time and shown character to get to the final."

Airdrie eased any nerves after 10 minutes when Allan Russell's scuffed shot dropped perfectly for Prunty to slam home.

Raith got back in it after 18 minutes when Marco Andreoni handled Robert Sloan's free-kick and ref Craig Thomson pointed to the spot. Weir slotted home from 12 yards sending Stephen Robertson the wrong way.

Rovers continued to press after the break and Weir missed a chance in 55 minutes before Andy Tod had a header well saved.

But with 76 minutes gone Airdrie killed off any chance of a Raith comeback when Donnelly capitalised on a mistake from Iain Davidson. The Raith skipper seemed to freeze when Graeme Holmes floated a ball into the area and Donnelly tapped-in.

With two minutes left Weir equalised when his effort deflected off Donnelly and spun in but it was too late for Raith.

Raith manager John McGlynn admitted mistakes have cost his side dear.

He said: "It's a sore one to take. Over the two legs we've contributed to three of Airdrie's four goals. We lost because of individual errors and while we were never cut open, we gave them three goals over the two games. Iain Davidson has had a great season and he will learn from his mistake as you can't take that chance in the box."