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Ayr United v Airdrieonians preview

26th September 2014

Ayr may top the League One table, but loan-Ranger Luca Gasparotto says Airdrie have nothing to fear when they visit Somerset Park on Saturday. 

The defender is settling into life at New Broomfield after signing a four-month loan deal from the Ibrox club, and he's happy to be wearing the Diamond. 

"I'm enjoying every second of it. The boys and coaches have been brilliant to me so far, and I'm enjoying my football at the moment." 

In last Saturday's match against Stranraer, Gasparotto netted what looked to be a winner for Airdrie, only to see the visitors equalise in stoppage time. 

"My first senior goal was a very proud and enjoyable moment for me. I was buzzing when I saw it fly in and I thought it was the winner. 

"It was disappointing to not come away with all 3 points but on a personal note I was delighted to get my first goal." 

Looking ahead to this weekend's visit to Ayr, the 19-year-old Canadian international is in positive mood. 

"We need to be more calm on the ball and move it around like I know we can. 

"If we stick to our gameplan and move the ball and finish our chances, I think we can get our first win of the season." 

Airdrie's goal-drought has ended after netting once against Morton and three times against Stranraer, but following the disappointment of last week's late equaliser, a first league win still eludes the Diamonds. 

Gasparotto feels that self-belief is key - and things will click into place as soon as a win is chalked up. 

"I think we just need to be more confident. It's been a tough start but I know these boys can play and have what it takes to get a result every week. 

"We need to pass teams off the park and finish the chances we create and I feel if we can get on a wee run, we can be one of the tougher teams to beat this season." 

Standing in the way of that run are table-toppers Ayr United, who have won four of their opening six league ties. 

There is a strong ex-Airdrie contingent in the Ayr ranks - midfielder Scott McLaughlin is their top scorer, former Diamonds hitkid Ryan Donnelly has joined the Club, and manager Mark Roberts featured for Airdrie before joining Ayr as a player.

 

Gasparotto's fellow new-signing Bryan Prunty also got on the scoresheet last week, and he'll be looking to repeat that feat at Somerset Park - the striker spent two years at Ayr after his first spell at the Diamonds. 

Referee Mat Northcroft will officiate a tie which saw no fewer than five red cards in four matches last season. 

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