Jimmy Boyle has urged Airdrie to pass their way out of the Irn-Bru First Division relegation zone.

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The Diamonds gaffer believes in playing the game the right way and focusing on retaining the ball.

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Boyle's players will have a chance to follow their manager's instructions at home to Raith Rovers tomorrow.

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At present, only goal difference is keeping Airdrie in the relegation play-off spot just beneath Steven Pressley's Falkirk.

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"We work on passing the ball all the time in training," he said when asked about the Diamonds' style of play in the last couple of months.

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"But when it comes to games, we just seem to freeze for some reason.

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"I encourage the players every week to take the ball from the back and play through the middle of the park.

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"We will only get out of the position we are in by being strong, taking the ball and keeping it - not by giving it away."

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Airdrie, who allowed defender Michael Hart and midfielder Kieron Stallard to leave by mutual consent this week, drew 1-1 at Cowdenbeath last weekend.

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Boyle added: "I was delighted to get a point away from home. I thought our players produced a workmanlike performance and deserved something from the game."