Darryl Duffy was Airdrie’s two-goal hero at Montrose, and the striker wants more of the same against Stenhousemuir as life under Ian Murray begins in earnest.

 

The experienced frontman bagged two of the Diamonds’ goals in a 3-0 victory at Links Park, and was pleased to get back on the scoresheet after a stuttering start to the season.

 

“It’s been very stop-start for me because of injury. It’s frustrating to be out and unable to help the team, particularly during a difficult period.

 

“It was great to be back on the pitch, scoring goals and picking up three points.”

 

Airdrie fans who travelled to Angus last weekend were impressed by the overall performance, but Duffy thinks there is still room for improvement.

 

“It was a good performance against Montrose, a well needed response, but I still think we can do better.

 

“The result was fully deserved and long may it continue, because there’s still a long way to go.”

 

The Diamonds’ journey continues under new boss Ian Murray, who watched last Saturday’s victory from the stand after his appointment on Friday.

 

Officially taking the reins on Monday, Murray has overseen training ahead of this weekend’s home match against Stenhousemuir, and Duffy says spirits are high.

 

“We’ve had two sessions so far with the new gaffer, and they were really good, high-tempo sessions.

 

“I think it’s fair to say we all enjoyed them!”

 

Stenhousemuir visit the Penny Cars stadium on Saturday for the second meeting of the season between the sides. The first, a 2-1 Airdrie win at Ochilview in August, was all the more impressive given that the Diamonds played more than 75 minutes with ten men after an early red card for defender Scott Robertson. A Ryan Conroy double, either side of Sean Crighton’s own goal, secured a hard-earned victory.

 

According to Darryl, it won’t be an easy encounter this time round either. 

 

“No game in this league is a given. We’ll need to be at our best to beat Stenhousemuir.

 

“Last week’s result gives us a lift, but we need to continue to improve and build on the Montrose result.”

 

Manager Murray is of a similar opinion.

 

“Like any other team, Stenhousemuir will be coming here with the belief that they can win the match, so we need to make sure that we’re on our game and try to dominate right from the start.

 

“If we take our form from Montrose into what will be a vital home match, I’m sure we can do well.”

 

The new Airdrie boss only expects to be without goalkeeper Scott Gallacher for his first match in charge, confirming that Cammy Russell had picked up a slight leg knock during Monday’s 7-0 reserve win over Albion Rovers but is expected to have fully recovered by the weekend.

 

Alan Muir referees the match, his first Airdrie tie this season.