This is the first time we will face the ‘new’ Airdrie (or ‘old’
It would be nice for Airdrie United (even Hamilton) to get promoted into the top league to give us more regular derbies but in the mean time this will have to do. Sadly for Airdrie they do appear to be a distance from challenging for promotion but the First Division is very open this season and they could always spring a surprise. They are aided by ex-Motherwell player Kevin Barkey whilst Willie McLaren has been getting rave reviews and has been linked to several bigger sides.
For us, it will be another bounce game. The fans will obviously care a bit more about the result than usual but no doubt Terry and Maurice will have the players well aware that this is still only a friendly and injuries are to be avoided at all coasts. Stevie Hammell may get a run out after missing some matches through injury but everyone else (McBride apart) should be available for selection.
It’s a shame it’s only a friendly but beating Airdrie is always nice – we should make our superiority show with a 2-0 win.