Cade Melrose believes a KDM Evolution Trophy victory over Elgin could set Airdrie off on another winning run – but the goalkeeper has first-hand experience of the quality that City will bring.

The Diamonds fell to a third straight defeat on Saturday when Cove Rangers came out on top after a frustrating 90 minutes at the Albert Bartlett Stadium.

Despite being beaten by Destiny Oladipo in the 56th-minute, Melrose was named as Airdrie’s Man of the Match, and spoke immediately after the game.

“I think we just started slow. Before the last two games we had a good run of form, and playing against Cove when they’re not doing too great, it’s one of those games where you should win. Obviously that completely turns around and goes against us.

“When we go one down we start creating chances and looking dangerous, it’s just about that cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, being more ruthless when we get those chances – somebody taking the game by the scruff of the neck and trying to make something happen.”

Injuries to Ruairidh Adams and Jamie Sneddon have seen Melrose pitched into the action in recent weeks, but having already made 30 appearances for the club, the 21-year-old is no stranger to the pressure involved – and intends to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“As a goalie, when you’re on the bench you never expect to go on. I got thrown into a derby, a big game on the telly, and I think I handled myself quite well and played well.

“It was just about building confidence from there, for me. I’ve had to be patient, but now I’ve got my chance I’m buzzing.

“It’s almost like an excitement to be back on the pitch, because I went a long time without playing – but again when you’re on the bench as a 2, you need to be ready for that sort of thing.”

Airdrie now have an early opportunity to get back to winning ways with Tuesday’s KDM last-32 tie against Elgin City.

The sides met in pre-season, when Stefan Laird’s side took a 15th-minute lead through Jack MacIver before Robbie Mahon’s leveller seven minutes later.

With the Black-and-Whites sitting three points off the League 2 summit, the Diamonds will face a side in good form and high in confidence.

Melrose says he and his team-mates must approach the fixture with the correct attitude – and if they do it could be the start of a turnaround in fortunes.

“It’s an opportunity to go and start a run. One win has a snowball effect and it carries on as we’ve seen earlier in the season.

“If we go into that game in the right mindset, we can go and get a win and get through to the next round of the cup, which is the most important thing.

“Elgin came here in pre-season and were a tough side to break down, and they’re doing well in the league – so nobody’s expecting an easy game. We need to be ready for them.”

Head coach John Rankin knows what to expect from Elgin as he aims to take his side into the last 16 of the competition.

“They’re a well-drilled, well-organised side who play free-flowing football. They’re obviously on a good run, they’re up near the top of the table in their league.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They’re in the league below, so the pressure’s on us to go and win.

“We earned the right to be seeded, and now we need to take the opportunity that presents itself to go and get ourselves into the next round.”

Although club captain Cole McKinnon was a surprise inclusion on Saturday’s bench, the Diamonds boss still has a lengthy injury list to contend with, with goalkeepers Ruairidh Adams and Jamie Sneddon, midfielder Zac Butterworth, and strikers Divine Iserhienrhien and Liam McLeish all missing out.

Defender Dylan MacDonald (groin) and midfielder Ewan Simpson (shoulder) will be given late checks ahead of the match.

Referee Alistair Grieve makes his second visit to the Albert Bartlett this season, having officiated Airdrie’s 1-0 win over Alloa Athletic in September.

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