IT'S round three of the Monklands derby series with Airdrie taking on Albion Rovers in their first match of the new year.

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The Diamonds defeated their neighbours 4-0 in September but lost 7-2 at Cliftonhill two months later.

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Manager Jimmy Boyle said: "I will not be talking to the players about what happened last time.

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"The players, especially those who were involved in that game, should know what happened and should know how they felt.

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"The manner of our defeat that day was hugely disappointing. It was all our fault and Albion Rovers fully deserved their victory.

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"This is a big game for both teams but I'm looking at it only in the sense that there is another three points available."

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Midfielder Jamie Stevenson feels Airdrie have improved since the Bonfire Night drubbing and is up for the first challenge of 2012.

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He said: "It doesn't seem that long since we last played them but in that time we have scored a barrowload of goals and conceded just as many.

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"I think we are more resilient as a team. We've only lost once since that game and we feel that things are getting better and improving."

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Airdrie are without midfielder Graeme Owens who has a thigh injury with striker Derek Holmes again a doubt following an ankle injury. Captain Paul Lovering and midfielder Rhys Devlin are back from suspension.