Josh Edwards says Saturday’s home tie against Stranraer gives Airdrie a chance to make up for last weekend’s late drama.

 

The Diamonds lost to Raith Rovers with two stoppage time goals turning round a match in which the home side had held a comfortable lead.

 

A Joao Victoria double and a Dale Carrick strike were cancelled out by goals from Kevin Nisbet and Liam Buchanan, with the former Airdrie striker bagging a hat-trick to sink his former club.

 

Defender Edwards says he and his team-mates are hurting after the late capitulation.

 

“We’re all embarrassed and ashamed at what happened on Saturday. We let ourselves and the fans down.

 

“We were the better team for 87 minutes and to lose the game like that was sickening.”

 

The home defeat may have been hard to take for all involved, but another fixture at the Penny Cars Stadium this weekend gives the Diamonds the chance to bounce back when Stranraer come to visit.

 

Stevie Farrell’s men picked up their first league win of the season against Montrose at the weekend, but Edwards is feeling confident.

 

“We have to just use Saturday’s result as the motivation to go and get a result against Stranraer, and as long as we all stick together as a group I’m sure we will come away with the three points.

 

“Having a home game straight away to bounce back is brilliant for us. It’s a chance for us to redeem ourselves to the supporters and get back to winning ways at home.

 

“Last year I think we only lost three games at home. It’s important for us to get that form back and make the stadium a fortress.”

 

Airdrie and Stranraer shared the spoils over the league campaign last season, with each of the four fixtures resulting in a home win. An early Betfred cup victory tipped the balance in Airdrie’s favour, but Josh knows the Blues will provide stiff opposition.

 

“I expect it to be as difficult as it was last season, they’re always a strong side.

 

“If we focus on ourselves, stick together and play our game, we can beat anyone in this division.

 

“It will be a tough game but I feel we can take the three points and show the fans that we really are all determined to achieve something this season.”

 

Diamonds boss Stevie Findlay echoed the 18-year-old’s sentiments.

 

“The key message to the players has been that we need to make this game about us, not about Stranraer. 

 

“I believe we have the players to go out there and compete and take maximum points, and now they have an additional point to prove after last week.”

 

Former Stranraer defender Scott Robertson returns from suspension for Airdrie, while the Blues may include ex-Diamond David Brownlie. Darryl Duffy and Sean Crighton face fitness tests after sustaining knocks in recent weeks, with the latter rated more likely to be ready in time for Saturday.