Craig Ross secured Airdrie's win over Morton with a heroic goal-line clearance in the dying minutes – and now the defender is looking forward to a festive six-pointer against Queen’s Park.

Sean McGinty’s towering header had given the Diamonds the lead at rain-lashed Cappielow last weekend before centre-back partner Ross made the outstanding block from Tomi Adeloye as Airdrie stood up to a late onslaught from Billy Davies’s side.

The result made it four consecutive wins in all competitions, with back-to-back league victories seeing Airdrie move into eighth position after spending ten weeks in the bottom spot.

Ross enjoyed the win – and the chance to play such a big part in it.

“It was good. All the defenders in the team relish that kind of defending.

“It is hard, the ball’s moving about in the air, but it’s a good buzz when you get that clean sheet and that win when your back’s against the wall for five or ten minutes – when you hear that whistle, it’s really pleasing.”

The former Stranraer defender has proved a valuable and versatile asset since joining in the summer, featuring in both full-back positions as cover to some early-season injuries.

With captain Aidan Wilson ruled out of the last two matches by illness, Ross has shone in his favoured central position.

“I’ve obviously had to be a bit patient with it since I came in. I’ve been kinda out of position. I hadn’t played full-back for a good few years so it took a wee bit of time to get used to.

“Being back at centre-half has been good, it’s a bit more familiar so it’s been enjoyable.”

The 23-year-old is now looking forward to another huge match as ninth-placed Queen’s Park come to The Albert Bartlett Stadium.

Sean Crighton’s men currently sit three points behind the Diamonds, albeit with a game in hand against bottom side Ross County still to play. Going six points clear of their nearest rivals would be the perfect Christmas present for Ross and his teammates, but he knows a tough encounter lies ahead.

“They’ll be good. We’ve drawn twice against them, so we know what to expect. They’re dangerous, they’re a good team.

“They’ll be wanting a result, and they’ll probably be confident coming here. Obviously we’ve been on a good run ourselves, and we’ll be confident as well.

“We’ll hopefully get the three points and start to look up the table, get that pressure off behind us. It’s obviously a massive game with Queen’s Park, but they’ll be saying that they want to catch us, so we need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

A home win would also be a Christmas cracker for the Diamonds faithful, who have enjoyed a real togetherness with the players and staff in recent weeks.

Craig says that close connection with the fans is mirrored throughout the club.

“The support has been brilliant, especially the past few games, they’ve been excellent. It does really help the boys, we can hear the support on the pitch.

“As a changing room, we’re all really close. Sinky’s been really good for that – all the boys have really bought into what he’s doing. It’s a good place to be.”

Caretaker manager Aaron Taylor-Sinclair has enjoyed a superb run of results on the road, and wants to see his side’s form continue at home.

“They’ll be coming here and trying to claw us back. It’s been tough games, both times we’ve played them.

“It’s about us, being at home and changing the way we play. We probably dictate the game a bit more when we’re at home – a few times away we’ve been hitting on the break, and it’s good to show that different side of us, but as the home team we want to take the game to them.”

Skipper Aidan Wilson has resumed full training following his recent illness, though several other members of the squad have reported flu symptoms and will be monitored closely.

Midfielder Alex King underwent surgery on his groin issue this week, and is expected to resume training early in the new year.

Meanwhile scans have confirmed that Aaron Reid has suffered a lateral collateral ligament tear, and sadly the striker could face up to 16 weeks on the sidelines. Our thoughts are with Aaron as he begins his recovery.

Referee Grant Irvine is in charge of an Airdrie match for the second time this season, having officiated July’s 2-1 Premier Sports Cup win over Montrose at Gayfield.

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.

Please be aware that behaviour deemed unacceptable will result in ejection from the stadium. Issues arising during the match can be reported anonymously - see the posters around the stadium for more information. Our unacceptable conduct policy can be viewed using the link below.

Airdrie Action Partnership will be conducting a bucket collection at the match, in aid of their Christmas Appeal. Please give generously if you are able to do so!