Airdrieonians v Peterhead preview
9th January 2015
As Ben Richards-Everton prepares to return to Partick Thistle, the big defender says Airdrie are in good shape for the second half of the season.
Englishman Ben is nearing the end of his loan spell at the Club, but he leaves on a high as the Diamonds face Peterhead on the back of a five-match unbeaten run.
"With all the good results we've being getting it gives us confidence and momentum going into the next games. I think as a team we are starting to really gel.
"It's nice to see us move up the table - but I think there's even more to come."
Having plied his trade in the lower leagues in England, Richards-Everton was snapped up by Thistle at the beginning of the season, and the Premiership club were keen to farm him out.
"It's being a really good experience for me to get used to the Scottish way of football.
"The gaffer here and all the coaching staff have being really good to me. I've really enjoyed my time here."
Saturday's visitors Peterhead are level on points with the Diamonds, albeit with a couple of games in hand.
But having beaten all three of the league's full-time teams in recent weeks, Richards-Everton insists that momentum is with the home side.
"We're only 4 points from the play-offs at the moment, so that's a massive incentive to really go and push on.
"On our day we can beat anyone in the league and I think we've showed that."
Ben is also aware of the difference that a positive support can make, and with three games of his loan spell remaining, he has a message for the Airdrie fans.
"The fans' support really helps the team and they really do play a big part.
"They've being excellent since i arrived - it's nice to have felt welcome, and I can't thank them enough."
Ben's final Diamonds appearances will be in a reshuffled defence, as fellow loanee Luca Gasparotto is on international duty.
Manager Gary Bollan is working hard to bring in a new defender, but Saturday's match may come too soon.
Referee Calum Murray is in charge as Airdrie look to continue their good form.