Airdrie and Morton will both be looking for their first league win of the season when the sides meet on Saturday, and Charlie Telfer believes the Diamonds have what it takes to triumph.

The former Player of the Year winner recently rejoined the club after a season in the Premiership with Ross County, and has started all five matches since his August return.

Saturday’s trip to Somerset Park was the latest in a tough run of results for the Diamonds, with Ayr United running out 4-2 winners, and Telfer says improvement is required.

“I think anyone could see we conceded really early on, then weathered the storm at 3-0, got ourselves a goal and then we concede straight away. I think we felt like it was maybe turning a wee bit – I’m not saying that we’d have gone on and won the game, but it would have given us more of a foothold.

“It was frustrating. Really disappointing, and I think one where we felt we weren’t good enough. We came out second half and gave it a go, but the game’s kinda done at 4-1 so while we were happy with the second half, as a whole we’re really disappointed.”

One moment of note for Airdrie was a second-half free-kick, awarded minutes after regular taker Euan Henderson had been substituted. It was left to Telfer to curl the ball into the top corner of David Mitchell’s net, and given the consistent quality of the midfielder’s setpiece deliveries, he has a surprising admission.

“It was the first free-kick I’ve ever scored. I wish it had been in a positive result, but it was good to get on the scoresheet and hopefully I can score a few more.

“Euan wasn’t happy – he claims he hasn’t seen it yet, but I think that’s just a bit of jealousy on his part!”

Attention now turns to Saturday’s home tie against Morton. Although Dougie Imrie’s side are also without a win, they only have one defeat to their name as an astonishing seven draws in eight games has them four points of clear of the Diamonds.

Telfer expects a tough tie against the side he played for in 2018-19.

“It was just after I’d come back from Holland, so it was good to get back playing. I really enjoyed the season, it was a slow start but we came good at the end.

“It’ll be good to play against them. We know they’re a good side, really well-drilled under Dougie, so we’ll have to be on our game.

“They’re in good form, but we’re confident with the group we’ve got in there that we can turn this around. Every game in this league is difficult, none more so than Morton, so we’ll be at it and we’ll need to be ready for what they throw at us – but we need to impose ourselves. I’m sure if we do that we’ll get the result.”

While ending the first quarter of the campaign with a victory would undoubtedly be a big boost for Airdrie, Charlie believes it could also be the catalyst for a run of positive results.

“I think getting that first league win of the season would be great, and once you get one you just try to snowball. That’s the aim for us.

“We’re all disappointed and we’re all hurting, especially after Saturday, so we’re delighted that the game is coming round and we’ll hopefully get the chance to right that wrong.”

With three single-goal defeats and a draw coming before last weekend’s result, Diamonds boss Danny Lennon expects another nip-and-tuck contest to end the first quarter.

“I know that Dougie’s sides are always very well-organised, very difficult to break down, and I do expect a close encounter – there’s no doubt about that with both of us looking for that all-important first win.

“But we now come into a stage of the season, and Morton will be likewise, these are the games – particularly at home – that you’ve got to be taking care of.”

The manager expects to be without the injured trio of Dylan MacDonald, Alex King, and Cammy Bruce, with Chris Mochrie still considered doubtful after missing the last two matches. Midfielder Jamie Barjonas will also face late checks after picking up a calf strain.

Goalkeeper Cade Melrose has resumed full training following a knee injury, while striker Aaron Reid returns from suspension as midweek loan signing Jake Hastie joins the squad.

Steven McLean is in charge of his first Airdrie match this season. The whistler last refereed the Diamonds in a 2-1 home win over Hamilton Academical in March.

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