Airdrie United vs Alloa preview - Diamonds aim to leapfrog Alloa

Posted Saturday, February 19, 2011 by PA

Airdrie's Rhys Devlin starts a two-game ban against Alloa while full-back Jamie Bain is also a doubt with a knock.

Manager Jimmy Boyle is however boosted by the availability of experienced trio Eddie Forrest, Jamie Stevenson and Scott Gemmill after injury.

The Diamonds will move above their visitors if they win, however Boyle has told his players that will only happen if they all play well.

Boyle said: "Alloa have won at our place and we have won at theirs and I cannot see anything other than a tight match this time out.

"They have been on a disappointing wee run which was a surprise as they are a right good side and we will need to play well to beat them."

Alloa`s David McClune and Mark Brown will be missing for the clash.

Nathan Taggart and Darren Smith are both fit enough to be considered for starting roles against the Diamonds.

The Recreation Park side battled back to earn a draw at Forfar in midweek to end a morale-sapping run of six consecutive defeats, and manager Allan Maitland is looking for his men to build on that.

Maitland said: "Hopefully we have come through our poor run and can go out and ensure our place in the top half of the table.

"You could see confidence returning to the squad during training on Thursday and we are looking forward to playing against Airdrie, especially as we won there earlier in the season."