Preview: Berwick Rangers vs Airdrieonians
August 14, 2018
Scott Stewart hopes that Airdrie can put some fizz back into their performance as the Diamonds return to Shielfield Park for tonight's Irn Bru Cup tie against Berwick Rangers.
Midfielder Stewart picked up the sponsors Man of the Match award in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to League One new boys Montrose, but the 22-year-old was far from happy with the performance.
"Saturday was extremely disappointing. We performed way below the standards that we've set throughout pre-season and in the Betfred Cup.
"On a personal level, I don't feel I played anywhere near well enough. I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't happy with my own performance."
With the Irn Bru cup getting underway this evening, Stewart is glad of the early opportunity to rectify the disappointment.
"Having a game so soon after a defeat is a positive, because it means you can put the last game behind you and quickly move on.
"We'll be going to Berwick aiming to put things right. It's important we get back to playing the way we know we can."
The trip to Shielfield Park comes hot on the heels of another trip over the border - it's less than a month since the Diamonds recorded a 3-0 win over the Wee Gers in the Betfred Cup. Sean Crighton, Darryl Duffy and Leighton McIntosh were Airdrie's goalscorers.
Scott feels that the League Two side made the Diamonds work hard for their victory, and expects more of the same this evening.
"Having already played them, we know it's going to be a tough game - but last time we managed to get a good result.
"We'll be aiming to get another win tonight - along with a good performance."
Airdrie boss Stephen Findlay reiterated the desire to get back to winning ways.
"I'm looking for the right reaction from the players after Saturday's disappointing display.
"We need to get the standards back up right away and show that Saturday was a blip."
Findlay is without goalkeeper Scott Gallacher - the 29-year-old was stretchered off with a leg injury in the second half of Saturday's match, and an accurate diagnosis cannot be made until the swelling has subsided.
The club are working to bring in cover while the extent of Gallacher's injury is determined.
John McKendrick referees the Irn Bru first round tie. Kick off at Shielfield is at 7:45pm.