May 5, 2023
FC Edinburgh vs Airdrieonians
Charlie Telfer says there are scores to be settled as Airdrie travel to Meadowbank for the last game of the regular league campaign against FC Edinburgh on Saturday.
The capital side have certainly had the Diamonds’ number this season, recording three excellent wins in their cinch League 1 debut season.
Although Airdrie had a better season overall, finishing in a top-four position while Alan Maybury’s side missed out, a positive result would end the season on a high note ahead of Tuesday evening’s play-off opener.
With the position secured ahead of last weekend’s home fixture against Queen of the South, player-boss Rhys McCabe was able to shuffle his pack for a match which the Doonhamers won 3-1.
Midfielder Telfer says improvement is required if the Diamonds are to get an elusive win against FC Edinburgh.
“It was disappointing, the manner of the goals we conceded. The way we’ve been playing, to have that performance on Saturday was pretty frustrating.
“When we got the goal back I thought we were in the ascendancy in the game and we could have gone on to get ourselves a point if not a win.”
Although the outcome in the final home match was disappointing, results are largely academic as preparation for the play-off begins in earnest.
Telfer says that’s been the main focus for the squad.
“Since we got it against Dunfermline, even that run of form, it was all aimed towards the play-offs and getting as far up the league as possible.
“As soon as we could secure the play-offs it was about focussing on that and making sure that everyone was ready for it - physically and mentally.”
And having returned to the starting line-up after a short spell out, the 27-year-old former Rangers and Dundee United man is hoping to play himself into contention for those all-important knockout ties.
“I came out the team and we went on a really good run of form - boys came in and did really well. For me, I need to sit there and be a good team-mate and come on and try to make an impact.
“In the last couple of weeks I’ve been able to play, which has been good. I’m desperate to play in these games, so come Tuesday whatever the manager decides I’ll have to play my part, whatever that is.”
Influencing a win over FC Edinburgh would certainly help Charlie’s case, and he believes the Diamonds are fully capable of ending their campaign with three points against the Citizens.
“I think their early-season form was brilliant, and they put themselves in a position to be in the play-offs. They’ve missed out now, which they’ll be disappointed with.
“We want to end the season high and we want to make right a few wrongs from the results we’ve had against them this season.
“They’ve scored loads of goals so we need to be wary at the back, but we seem to have done that of late. If we continue our form going forward then we should have enough to hopefully get one good result against them!”
Rhys McCabe concedes that Tuesday evening’s play-off semi-final tie is the big one, but says that a win at Meadowbank is still an important target.
“We’ll be going out on Saturday, regardless of what team or system we’re going to be playing, looking to get the three points.”
The Diamonds boss has positive news on the squad front with midfielder Lewis McGregor returning from illness and defender Aaron Taylor-Sinclair stepping up training following a hamstring injury.
Referee Ross Hardie has been involved in one other Airdrie match this season, March’s 1-1 away draw with Dunfermline.
Match tickets are available using the link below.
VS
Saturday May 6, 2023
3:00pm
Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
Referee
Ross Hardie
Assistants
Graham Chambers, Ian Hart