Ryan Conroy wants the winning feeling to continue as the Diamonds prepare to face Brechin City on Saturday.

 

The experienced midfielder was part of the Airdrie side who claimed a fantastic win over Forfar Athletic last weekend, and he says the changing room is buzzing again after a poor run of form had seen the Diamonds pick up only one win in eight games.

 

Kyle Wilkie grabbed the only goal of the game against the Loons, but it was a confident team performance from Airdrie as they saw off the league’s form side.

 

Conroy says a good start was the key to a big victory.

 

“We started the game well, it was probably the best we’ve started in the last few weeks in terms of creating chances.

 

“We knew it was going to be an important game, and we got ourselves up for it - we’re delighted to get back to winning ways and hopefully that can continue."

 

Recent results have certainly gone in Airdrie’s favour if the Diamonds have designs on a play-off spot, and Conroy says that’s still the focus in the changing room.

 

“While it’s still possible, we’ll always believe we can do it. We know we’re good enough, but we need to go on a run now. 

 

“The teams round about us have all had good runs, and we’re confident that it’s our turn. If you go on a good run at this point in the season, you never know what can happen."

 

Saturday sees another trip to Angus, to face a Brechin City side unbeaten in five.

 

In each of the three meetings between the sides this season, the visitors have come out on top.

 

Back in October, Andy Jackson’s double  and a goal from former Diamond Sean Burns turned things round for Darren Dods’ newly-relegated side after Joao Victoria had given Airdrie the lead.

 

By Christmas, both clubs had made managerial changes, with Barry Smith taking over the Brechin hot-seat. It was Ian Murray who came out on top in the December meeting at Glebe Park though, Darryl Duffy netting the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

 

And last month City took the points at the Penny Cars Stadium again, Jackson pouncing on a short passback to give his side a 1-0 victory.

 

Ryan says there are scores to settle from that February meeting, a result which left Airdrie’s players feeling frustrated.

 

“We were disappointed to lose to them last time, I don’t know how we managed to lose that game. We had plenty of chances, but they scored a bit of a freak goal and sat in.

 

“It’s a tight pitch up there and they’re in decent form, so it won’t be easy - but we can take confidence from last weekend’s result and performance.

 

“If we start well and get in front, we know we can put the frustration of the last meeting behind us and bring home the three points.”

 

Manager Ian Murray expects another tough game for his side.

 

“We’re facing another side in good form, which seems to be the thing for us at the moment! It’s a hard place to go, and they’ll be confident after two away wins and two clean sheets.

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Saturday March 30, 2019

3:00pm

Glebe Park, Brechin

Refereee: Greg Aitken

Assistants: Brian Templeton, Chris Rae

 

Click to enlarge infographic

“From our point of view, we’re coming in to the game after winning two of the last three and only conceding one goal in those games, so it’s going to be a good match-up."

 

The Diamonds boss is awaiting late checks on the fitness of Dale Carrick and Kieran MacDonald, with Scott Gallacher and Grant Gallagher still sidelined. Jordan Houston returns after a successful trip with the Scotland U19 side, but Dean Hawkshaw misses out due to personal commitments made before joining the club.

 

Referee Greg Aitken is in charge of the Glebe Park tie, his first Airdrie match this season.