It’s all eyes on the Albert Bartlett Stadium tomorrow as Airdrie welcome Cove Rangers for the second leg of the William Hill Championship play-off final, and captain Adam Frizzell says the Diamonds must grasp their chance at survival.

Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Balmoral Stadium gives Frizzell and his team-mates a slim advantage ahead of the home leg, and the skipper says there’s more to come from his side.

“We didn’t play the way we feel we can, but I think you’ve got to credit Cove. I thought they were good. Their movement was very good first half, it took us a while to get to grips with it, and they’ve got experienced players that can hurt you. We need to be very mindful of that tomorrow.

“We’re on our home turf, we’ll be looking to take the game to them. It’s in our hands so we’re looking forward to the game.”

By their own admission, Airdrie’s players didn’t perform as well as they have of late in Wednesday’s first leg, so to bring home a lead will be a source of encouragement.

Frizzell says better results normally come with better performances, but that isn’t always the case in what amounts to a cup final.

“I would take another rubbish performance tomorrow if we win! That’s the nature of the play-offs. The upward trend from January has been that we’ve been playing well – it doesn’t matter now.

“Tomorrow’s so massive, and it’s not about performance, it’s about getting that result – but they do go hand in hand, we feel if we play the way we can, then the result will take care of itself.”

Hamilton Academical’s well-documented points deduction has given the Diamonds a chance at survival, but for a side who looked to be doomed after an injury-blighted first half of the season, getting into a position to take advantage of Accies’ punishment is an impressive achievement in itself.

Frizzell has already stated that he has no intention of being the man to wear the armband when the final whistle signals relegation – a sentiment he is keen to repeat.

“It was almost mission impossible in January. I think the boys were all out together when Dunfermline beat Partick 5-1, and that put us 17 points behind. If you’d have offered us play-offs then we’d have bit your hand off for it.

“I know outside circumstances got us here, but we’ll take it. We’ve been gifted a second chance and I would love to keep us up – I said before I do not want to be the captain that takes us down.”

And Adam knows that a professional performance is required as the curtain comes down on a challenging season for everyone at the Albert Bartlett Stadium.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to reiterate to the boys – it’s the old cliche, play the game not the occasion.

“I think we started doing that the other night. When we came out you could see a nervousness throughout us, and I think that showed in the first-half performance.

“That’s natural, it’s because of how much the boys care. It’s a really good group of young players, and it’s all good experience for them. We’ve been great recently – it’s just one more push tomorrow.”

Diamonds boss Rhys McCabe has consistently stressed the importance of the squad beyond the starting XI, and repeats that everyone will be required to play a part tomorrow.

“We’re as prepared as we can be, so the boys are really looking forward to it now. We’ve got to remember that it’s a new game, first and foremost. We’re going into Saturday to win the game – that’s the way that we’ll approach it.

“We’ve got to expect the best version of Cove coming here to give us another tough game. For the whole time I’ve been here I’ve stressed that it’s a squad game, and the boys coming on and injecting that wee bit of freshness is massive.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, and everybody’s going to be used.”

Vice-captain Aidan Wilson returned to Wednesday’s matchday squad and will be in contention for Saturday’s match. Striker Aaron Reid and defender Cammy Bruce continue to miss out, while Mason Hancock remains a major doubt ahead of the fixture.

Ross Hardie referees a match involving Airdrie for only the second time this season – the whistler was in charge on the opening day of the Championship season when the Diamonds recorded a 1-0 home win over Raith Rovers.

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