Airdrie United looking to turn a corner

Nov 7 2012 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Jimmy Boyle

Jimmy Boyle says Airdrie will have turned a corner – if they win two crunch games in five days.

The Diamonds host Livingston in the Irn-Bru First Division on Friday night before travelling to Raith Rovers for a William Hill Scottish Cup third round replay on Tuesday.

The importance of both fixtures is not lost on boss Boyle with Airdrie unbeaten in two games since the club-record thrashing at Partick Thistle.

And he believes it will be full steam ahead for his side if they can beat Livingston and then book a home tie with Deveronvale in the fourth round of the cup at Stark’s Park.

He said: “We know that we are going to have to work really hard in these next two matches which are very important to the club.

“Livingston are a good side if you stand off them and let them play so we must make sure we don’t do that.

“I don’t think we have anything to fear from Raith. We could have easily won at the weekend and we will just have to try and finish the job when we go up there.

“The response from the players in the two games after losing to Partick has been good. If we can make it four games without defeat then we will be moving in the right direction.”

Airdrie will play at home on a Friday night for the first time in nearly ten years and Boyle is looking forward to the occasion.

He added: “I think it’s a great idea and it is good to try something different every now and again.”

The Friday fixture meant the first-team squad were in for training last night on Tuesday night instead of their usual Monday and Thursday schedule.

“We will only have the one session before the Livingston game,” Boyle said.

“With the game away on Tuesday evening, we will need to be careful in terms of how we prepare.”

On the injury front, Airdrie are hopeful of having Cameron MacDonald and Sean Lynch available for selection but David Lilley could miss out again.