Dean Hawkshaw wants victory over his old Stranraer team-mates to end the season with back-to-back wins for the Diamonds.

 

The fleet-footed midfielder may have only joined Airdrie in March, but he’s already impressed enough to win April’s social media Player of the Month award.

 

Hawkshaw is modest about his short spell with the club.

 

“I’ve been happy with a few of my performances, I think I’ve done alright.

 

“There’s always room for improvement though, and I probably could have done better in one or two games.”

 

The former Kilmarnock man certainly put on a good display last weekend, picking up the man of the match award as the Diamonds secured an impressive 3-0 home win over champions Arbroath.

 

“It’s always good to get a win in the last home game of the season, but even better against the champions.

 

“It was a good performance as well from the boys.”

 

Airdrie conclude their League One season with a trip to Stranraer on Saturday. Hawkshaw spent some time on loan at Stevie Farrell’s side last season, and is looking forward to a return to Stair Park

 

“It was kinda up and down for me at Stranraer - I played a wee bit and missed out for a bit, but I enjoyed my time there so it’ll be nice to go back down.

 

“It’s hard to know what to expect, but these games are as competitive as you want them to be - if we want to go and make it a game we can.

 

“Hopefully we can carry on from last Saturday and finish the season well. We know inconsistency has cost us over the season, so it would be nice to end with a couple of wins.”

 

As well as a strong finish to the campaign, the Diamonds are aiming to make it four straight wins over Saturday’s opponents.

 

Leighton McIntosh and Joao Victoria were on target in a 2-0 home win in September, while Airdrie were 2-1 winners at a wet and windy Stair Park in November, with Grant Gallagher and Kyle Wilkie scoring before Kyle Turner pulled one back for the hosts.

 

A McIntosh double and a late strike from Darryl Duffy saw the Diamonds to a 3-0 win in December’s meeting at the Penny Cars Stadium.

 

Saturday’s fourth and final meeting with the Blues brings the curtain down on season 18/19, but with Dean’s performances already catching the eye, many fans would welcome his return next season.

 

The 22-year-old says academic success is his top priority at the moment.

 

“I’ve not really had a chance to think about next season, I’ve got an exam coming up so I’ve just been studying for that!

 

“We’ll see what happens come the end of the season and take it from there.”

 

Airdrie manager Ian Murray wants a repeat of his first victory in the hotseat.

 

“My first win came at Stranraer, and we played well that day so hopefully we can go down and replicate that performance.

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Saturday May 4, 2019

3:00 pm

Stair Park, Stranraer

Refereee: Gavin Duncan

Assistants: Brian Templeton, Steven MacDonald

 

Click to enlarge infographic

“We want to finish as high as we can to give us something to build on for next season, so we’re going down there well prepared to try and win the match.”

 

The Diamonds boss still has a lengthy injury list to contend with, rating Kyle Wilkie and Ryan Conroy as doubtful. Former Blues defender Scott Robertson is suspended.

 

Stranraer have their own injury problems, and miss Kyle Turner through suspension. Joao Victoria is unavailable against his parent club.

 

Gavin Duncan referees a match featuring Airdrie for the first time this season.