
January 17, 2025
Dumbarton vs Airdrieonians
Airdrie face Dumbarton in Saturday’s Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie, and Rhys McCabe has called for togetherness as the Diamonds try to turn their season around.
Following conversations this week, player-manager McCabe, the board of directors, and the players and staff wish to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointment faced this season, and to thank the fans for their continued backing in the face of adversity.
A couple of potentially massive matches lie in store for the Diamonds, and the players in particular would like to make their gratitude known for the encouragement they have received both at home and away this season.
An unprecedented injury crisis has had an obvious bearing on results and performances, and as players begin to regain match fitness, there is a belief and determination within the club that we will soon see a different Airdrie – and that one positive result could be the catalyst to a resurgence.
As the Diamonds prepare for a break from league business with the trip to The Marbill Coaches Stadium, McCabe urges the support to give the team their full backing as the club strives to turn things around.
Speaking after Tuesday’s defeat at Livingston, the manager once again saw positive signs as his side created a number of promising chances.
“It is about the performance side of things in the bigger picture – but ultimately you need results, you need points.
“Of course there’s a level of frustration there. When we dissect it we can look back on what was good and what was bad, but at this stage of the season we need to get points, and unless we’re going to be ruthless in both boxes, we won’t get them.”
With a cup-tie against the struggling Sons ahead, McCabe wants to see a professional approach from his side.
“Especially in cup competitions, it’s about going down there and making sure that we get the win. Then, hopefully, from the club’s point of view and the fans’ point of view, you get that attractive big draw.
“First and foremost we’ve got business to take care of, and that’s making sure that we go down there with the mentality that we’re going to win.”
Stevie Farrell’s side are another who haven’t had their troubles to seek this season. The Sons are currently stranded at the foot of League 1 following a points deduction for entering administration.
McCabe knows that the possibility of a money-spinning fifth round tie is a huge incentive for Dumbarton to go for glory and claim the scalp of their Championship opponents, and insists that the Diamonds won’t be taking anything for granted.
“We won’t have our foot off the gas or approach the game lightly in any way, shape or form. We know there’s boys there that are playing under difficult circumstances for everybody at the club, and we’ve got to treat it with the utmost respect.
“We have to approach it like it’s our big cup final, apply ourselves and get the win and make sure that we’re in the hat for the next round.”
The sides have already met in cup competition this season, with Airdrie securing a dramatic late win in a rain-soaked Premier Sports Cup fixture back in July.
Finlay Gray and Lewis McGrattan had traded first half goals before a four-minute double from James Hilton put Dumbarton 3-1 up early in the second half. The Diamonds left it late to secure the win, goals from Rhys Armstrong, Terrell Agyemang and Ben Wilson handing the visitors a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Much has changed for both clubs since that meeting, and Rhys doesn’t expect it to have any bearing on Saturday’s match.
“It will be a fresh game – we’ll analyse that game and the opposition, but at the same time we’re the team from the higher division, so it’s about us imposing ourselves on them and making sure that we get into the next round.
“The fans have been brilliant all season, and I’m sure they’ll get behind us again on Saturday. We’re all in it together and we all want the same outcome.”
Lewis Strapp is not expected to be out long-term following a neck injury sustained against Livingston, but Saturday’s match will come too soon for the new signing, who will join fellow defenders Cammy Bruce and Aidan Wilson on the sidelines. Ricco Diack is cup-tied having played for Partick Thistle in the previous round. Midfielder Liam McStravick and striker Aaron Reid both hope to be available for selection after resuming full training this week.
Referee Colin Steven takes charge of his second Airdrie tie this season, having officiated November’s away match against Dunfermline Athletic.
Match tickets are available using the link below, and our DiamondsTV video (subscribers outwith the UK and Ireland) and audio (pay-per-match worldwide) streams are available.


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Saturday January 18, 2025

3:00pm

Marbill Coaches Stadium, Dumbarton

Referee
Colin Steven
Assistants
Colin Drummond, Kevin Buchanan



