Lewis Strapp grabbed a dramatic equaliser last time Airdrie faced Arbroath, and the defender is hoping to help the Diamonds overcome the Red Lichties in this weekend’s Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup tie.

The sides have faced off three times already on league duty with another to come, and as well as Saturday’s Scottish Cup meeting, the pair will also meet in the KDM Evolution Trophy later this month.

With little to separate the sides across the previous encounters, Strapp hopes that home advantage can come into play this time round.

“Obviously we play Arbroath four times a season so we know what’s coming here. We’re just glad it’s at home, we can get out there and play our game.

“It’s going to be a tough game as always, but at least in the cup you have that freedom of play. You’ve got to go to win the game, so that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Both sides had won their home matches by a goal to nil before the latest meeting at Gayfield, in which Strapp’s 90th-minute header cancelled out an Arran Pettifer strike to ensure a share of the spoils.

The 26-year-old is modest about his contribution.

“I think up there we hit on the break a few times. Hastie got through on goal and then they’ve got the man sent off, so with my chance at the end of the game it’s just getting into an area where I was unmarked.

“It was a setpiece to Deano, Deano’s shot, and you just stay alive in the box – and I got lucky enough to get my goal!”

While that goal was Strapp’s first of the season, the defender was also in the right place to score the decisive goal in last season’s play-off final against Cove Rangers.

He credits Airdrie’s new head coach for his encouragement to join the attack.

“I really enjoy it. It’s something I’ve not done in the younger years of my career, being able with that freedom. Sinky’s given me that, and I’m enjoying it at the moment.

“The boys are brilliant and we’re really on board with what Sinky’s trying to get us to do – and I think he knows that as well.

“We’ve got a good group in there, and going into the last half of the season as well as this cup, we’re looking to win as many games as possible.”

And with the potential of a plum tie in the next round should the Diamonds progress, Lewis is fully focused on Saturday’s match.

“It would be massive. It’s always good to get through in the cup and get these dream ties. It’s also good for the club, and the fans as well.

“It’s good for everyone, so we’re looking to win the game on Saturday and then see what the draw brings.”

Head coach Aaron Taylor-Sinclair expects another close affair against the high-flying Angus side.

“You always hope you get a home tie, and maybe against a team that’s not in your league so it’s something fresh for us as players, staff and fans. But we’ll take the draw and we’re looking forward to it.

“The games that we’ve been played have been very tight. We know what to expect from Arbroath – a well structured team who at times look to hit you on the counter, so we’ll have to be wary of that.

“We’re going into the game full of confidence. The games against Arbroath have been nip and tuck, so I think it’ll be more of the same on Saturday – hopefully we’re the team that comes out on top.”

Gavin Gallagher is rated as touch and go for the match after an x-ray revealed no broken bones following last weekend’s foot injury. Sean McGinty and Rhys Armstrong are also close to a comeback, while Cade Melrose, Alex King and Aaron Reid continue to miss out.

Goalkeeper Andy McNeil has left the club at the end of his short-term contract, and he moves on with our thanks and best wishes.

Referee Matthew McDermid makes his second visit to The Albert Bartlett Stadium this season, having officiated August’s 1-1 draw with Queen’s Park.

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