Airdrieonians vs Stenhousemuir preview
8th April 2016
Scott Stewart says Airdrie must make amends for their slump in form ahead of the Diamonds 6-pointer against Stenhousemuir.
Last week's 4-0 defeat at Stranraer made it five games without a win, and leaves the New Broomfield men in a bizarre position with four matches remaining - six points from the promotion play-off, but the same distance from the relegation zone.
Midfielder Stewart was an unused substitute during the Stair Park capitulation, but felt the defeat as much as those who featured.
"We win as a team and we lose as a team, so the whole squad were gutted with last week's performance. It wasn't anywhere near good enough."
With a promotion slot still mathematically possible for the Diamonds, there's no chance of Danny Lennon's squad throwing in the towel.
Stewart says the reaction has been good.
"With another massive game around the corner, we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves.
"Training has been positive this week, and we know we can do better."
The latest opponents in a run of huge games for Airdrie are Stenhousemuir, and the Warriors come to New Broomfield having secured three incredible results against the Diamonds this season.
On week two of the league campaign, Sean Crighton looked to have secured an draw at Ochilview after cancelling out Alan Cook's opener, but Stenny substitute Fraser Eddington popped up in the 90th minute to take all three points.
The return fixture in December saw another late goal, Ewan Murray heading home the 88th minute winner.
And at a snowy Ochilview in February, Nicky Cadden and Jim Lister twice had the Diamonds ahead before Jamie McCormack turned the game around for the hosts - his winner coming in the 90th minute.
With no points from nine against their Larbert opponents, Airdrie could be forgiven for feeling hard done by - but Stewart is more interested in making up for recent poor form.
"The fans deserve better. We're looking to put things right this weekend - for them."
Brown Ferguson's Stenhousemuir have had their own problems of late, having won only one of their eight games since the February meeting with Airdrie.
With three points separating the sides, and a win for Airdrie putting them back within three points of fourth place, it's all to play for at New Broomfield.
Alan Muir will referee the tie.