Sean Crighton says Airdrie are taking one game at a time as the Diamonds prepare to face Dumbarton in tomorrow’s crucial League One tie.

 

The rearranged fixture gives Airdrie a chance to gain ground on the play-off positions as the climax to another tightly-contested League One season approaches, and the Diamonds have given themselves a fighting chance with three important wins in their last four matches.

 

The latest of these was an impressive victory at Glebe Park on Saturday as a strong attacking display put Brechin City to the sword. Airdrie were 3-0 winners on the day with goals from Kyle Wilkie, Scott Stewart and Leighton McIntosh.

 

Club captain Crighton says the nature of the win helped to put Airdrie’s earlier run of poor form to bed.

 

“I think you always need to look forward, and especially at the business end of the season we need to give ourselves every chance.

 

“We can’t let our previous form affect the future.”

 

Travelling fans were treated to some quality finishing in Angus at the weekend, but defender Crighton says it’s just as important to keep things tight at the other end of the park.

 

“Scoring any type of goal will do at this stage! The fact we’re getting clean sheets is also very important, and it can only help us knowing that if we score we’re capable of defending our lead.

 

“We’ve got quality players at the top end of the pitch who can score all types - and that’s exactly what we need.”

 

With attention turning to the C&G Systems Stadium, the Diamonds are ready to face Dumbarton in a fixture originally postponed last month due to a waterlogged pitch.

 

The sides have met three times on league duty this season, and it’s been all square on each occasion.

 

Brad Spencer and Cammy Russell traded goals in a 1-1 draw at the Penny Cars Stadium in September, while a late Spencer equaliser forced the same scoreline in December after Leighton McIntosh had given the Diamonds a third-minute lead.

 

The Sons came from behind twice at Airdrie in February, Bobby Barr and Dom Thomas replying to strikes from Darryl Duffy and McIntosh.

 

Another meeting between the sides came in the William Hill Scottish Cup third round, and this time the Diamonds were victorious at the Penny Cars Stadium, running out 3-0 winners with goals from Duffy and a Kyle Wilkie double.

 

Crighton expects it will be difficult to separate the sides again.

 

“We always expect a tough game in this league no matter who we’re playing, but Dumbarton have shown they can pose a great threat.

 

“We have to take care of ourselves, and hopefully that will be enough on the night. As we’ve seen in the other games against them, we’ll need to concentrate and be at our best for the whole 90 minutes.”

 

Three points tomorrow would put Airdrie within a point of fourth-placed East Fife, who visit the Diamonds on Saturday, but Sean isn’t looking that far ahead.

 

“We need to take it game by game and not get ahead of ourselves.

 

“I’ve been in these positions before - we just need to keep winning and see where it takes us.”

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Tuesday April 2, 2019

7:45pm

C&G Systems Stadium, Dumbarton

Refereee: Lloyd Wilson

Assistants: Gary Hilland, Chris Gentles

 

Click to enlarge infographic

Manager Ian Murray is ready to take his side on the road again.

 

“It’s our third away game in the final quarter, so it’s been a very hard start and this game is no different.

 

“It’s a good opportunity for us to eat into the gap on East Fife, so we’ll be ready to give it our all.”

 

The Diamonds boss reported no new injury worries, with Kieran MacDonald and Dale Carrick still being monitored. Scott Gallacher and Grant Gallagher continue to miss out.

 

Lloyd Wilson referees his first Airdrie match of the season.