Ian Murray insists Kieran Wright’s wonder-save was the turning point in Airdrie’s disappointing defeat to Partick Thistle.
The on-loan Rangers keeper produced a phenomenal flying stop to deny Paul McKay on 35 minutes and Thistle broke up the pitch to equalise within ten seconds.
Airdie controlled proceedings until Thistle’s equaliser before collapsing in the second half as they dropped to seventh in the league.
Diamonds boss Murray felt the phase of play completed changed the game, adding: “It was an incredible save from the goalkeeper.
“It was a huge moment, it was either 2-0 or 1-1. It’s bad enough to miss that chance to go two nil up but it’s 1-1 so quick after.
“We were disappointed because we felt we dominated the game and we felt we were the better side.
"We coped with Thistle’s long balls no problem and we were excellent on the counter attack - if it was even was counter-attacks.”
Murray handed a start to Paul Paton after the experienced midfielder signed on a short-term loan deal from East Kilbride.
The Airdrie boss was effusive in his praise of the former Dundee United star and he believes Paton will be integral to his plans for the remainder of the season.
He said: “I thought Paul Paton was outstanding. I thought he was probably the best player on the park along with the boy {Connor} Murray for them who caused problems.
“I’m delighted that we’ve got him. He adds steel, determination, hunger and knowledge to us and he’s certainly a player we look forward to working with.
“We are going to need him so I’m delighted with him.”
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