Jamie Barjonas is aiming for a huge three points against Ross County on Saturday – but says Airdrie will have to be at their best to beat the Staggies.
It’s 8th vs 10th at The Albert Bartlett Stadium this weekend, and although the Diamonds have a four point cushion over the Dingwall side, they have played two games more.
The Championship action resumes after last week’s Scottish Cup exploits, where Airdrie needed penalties to overcome Arbroath and set up a fifth-round tie with St Mirren.
Midfielder Barjonas is pleased that his side were rewarded for their efforts.
“It was a tough game – it was a long game, it was hard on the legs! We’re obviously buzzing to come out with the win and into the next round. The boys dug deep.
“It was a tipsy-turvy game, 1-0, 1-1, and so on… it was a good game to win.”
As the Diamonds were putting in the overtime to get past Arbroath, Ross County lost to Premiership side Motherwell by a goal to nil.
The narrow margin of defeat suggests improvement from the Highlanders, who prepare to face Airdrie for the third time this season – with a third manager in the dugout.
Don Cowie was in charge on the opening day of the league season, when Euan Henderson’s double saw the Diamonds come from behind after Akil Wright had netted his own brace for the pre-season title favourites.
Cowie’s departure saw former Dundee boss Tony Docherty take the reins as the sides met again last month, but the Diamonds were victorious at Victoria Park with Henderson adding to Gavin Gallagher’s opener before Jay Henderson got a late County consolation.
As the Staggies slid to the foot of the table Docherty was given his marching orders, with former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell returning to the hot-seat and overseeing a 2-0 win against Partick Thistle before defeats to St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Barjonas still believes the Highlanders are in a false position as they prop up the Championship table.
“They’re definitely a side where, if you look at their squad and you look at them as a team, they probably shouldn’t be where they are.
“Last time we went up there we had a really good victory. We played really well, so we need to look at that and take the positives from that. I think we’re in a good place right now, as a squad and as a team. I think we’re playing well, we’re creating a lot of chances.
“It’ll be a tough game, it’s a huge game in both of our seasons, so it’s one we’ll really hope to go and perform well and hopefully get the win.”
Just as with that memorable day in Dingwall, Barjonas says Airdrie will be relying on the Diamonds support to spur them on.
“I think the fans have been outstanding all season for us. I think you can see on the pitch we’re fighting for each other, we’re fighting for the fans.
“I think right now we’re in a good place. Hopefully we can continue the form we’re in – it’s down to us to get the results that will carry us up the table. There’s not really a ceiling to where we can go.”
With another unbeaten run building, confidence is certainly high in the camp – and like many others, Jamie is quick to credit Airdrie’s new head coach with his own upturn in form.
“Since Sinky’s come in I’ve really had a sense of freedom when I’m playing. I feel like I’m playing well – I still think my goals and assists need to be more, and it’s something I’m really striving for.
“As a whole team there’s a lot of good performers in there, and I think when you’ve got seven, eight, nine good performers week in, week out, you’re going to get results.”
Head coach Aaron Taylor-Sinclair is looking forward to pitting his wits against another new manager as his side go head-to-head with Kettlewell’s County.
“They’ll come in strong, they’ve still got a lot of experience and quality in their team.
“They’ve played three games with the new manager and changed their shape and changed personnel, so it’s really a big focus on us and what we do in the game.
“We’ve had positive results against them this season, hopefully that continues on Saturday. As I said before, it’s about putting our stamp on the game.”
The Diamonds boss hopes to include goalkeeper Cade Melrose and midfielder Gavin Gallagher following the pair’s return to training, along with new signing Robbie Mahon who is available after being cup-tied last weekend.
Aidan Wilson continues to be monitored ahead of the match. The club captain was withdrawn after feeling his hamstring against Arbroath.
Midfielders Rhys Armstrong and Alex King and striker Aaron Reid continue to work toward a return to full training.
Referee Duncan Nicolson returns to the Albert Bartlett having officiated two home matches in November – the 1-1 draw with Partick Thistle and the 4-0 Scottish Cup win over Hamilton Academical.
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