There will be plenty of familiar faces on show when Montrose visit Airdrie this weekend, and last Saturday’s hat-trick hero Connor Smith is keen to come out on top.

Midfielder Smith opened his account in the first half of the Diamonds’ KDM Evolution Trophy win over Berwick Rangers, adding two late goals to secure his treble – and a 7-1 win for his new club.

“It was good, obviously those games you want to play in and to score three was good for me. It builds a lot of confidence for me, I’ve not played that much at the start of the season and last season.

“The gaffer’s given me that position to go and play in, and to get three goals is perfect!”

With the match coming days after a 6-1 win at Bonnyrigg Rose in the same tournament, attention now returns to the William Hill League 1 campaign as Stewart Petrie’s Montrose visit the Albert Bartlett Stadium.

Smith says that although Airdrie were fancied to win both of their recent cup ties, it’s seldom that straightforward – and the Diamonds are applying similar focus to Saturday’s clash with the Gable Endies.

“The games that we’ve just played are ones that you think you need to win, so it puts more pressure on us.

“The preparations stay the same – the boys all look good in training and everyone’s flying, happy, and looking forward to it.”

Airdrie and Montrose last met in January, goals from Gavin Gallagher, Chris Mochrie and Euan Henderson securing a 3-1 home win, but fans will recall a more memorable tie – the astonishing 6-4 Championship play-off match in 2022, in which Connor’s brother Callum scored an unforgettable hat-trick.

Having finally achieved promotion the following season, the Diamonds now face the Mo on league duty for the first time since a 3-0 Airdrie win in 2023.

The current Montrose squad boasts four former Airdrieonians, two of which – Sean McGinty and Jamie Barjonas, played with Smith at Hamilton.

The 24-year-old is looking forward to facing his former team-mates.

“They’re a good side, they’ve started well so obviously we need to keep building this momentum and keep winning games.

“I know some of the boys, Barjo just got player of the month – he’s a good player and a good guy.

“I think when you play against boys that you know you always know what to expect, and they’ll be the same with us.”

And with Montrose looking for a sixth-straight league win while Airdrie look to make it six in a row in all competitions, an intriguing match lies in store.

Connor hopes he can get his name on the scoresheet again to help the Diamonds to another big victory.

“I was saying that to my brother as well – I’ve not scored in the league this season, so that’s my next objective.

“Hopefully on Saturday!”

Head coach John Rankin wants more of the same from his side – but warns that Saturday’s opponents have some wise older heads in their ranks.

“You look at their players and the experience that they have throughout the squad, and it’s huge.

“It’s making sure that the players are as prepared as they can be. It’s going to be a difficult game, they’re the form team.

“We need to make sure that we do what we do. No matter what team we play against, we need to continue to be a threat going forward and defensively solid.”

A hamstring strain means defender Evan Easton will miss out alongside midfielder Zac Butterworth, while Craig Ross, Robbie Mahon and Liam McLeish continue to work toward being available for selection.

Callum Burnside and Ruairidh Adams are on international duty, but Josh Gentles is back in the squad after returning to Rangers for their KDM ties.

Calum Scott referees Saturday’s tie.

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