Airdrie United vs Dumbarton preview - Sons boosted by Nugent return

Dumbarton have defender Paul Nugent available after suspension as they host Airdrie in the first leg of their play-off final.

Ryan Finnie and Mark Lamont continue to be ruled out through ankle injuries with Sons manager Alan Adamson predicting a tight contest.

"Airdrie gave us a bit of a roasting earlier in the season when they won 3-0 but after that the games have been really tight," he said. "We drew 1-1, we won 3-2 in a game that could have gone either way.

"We also won a game last month 2-1 but they had a goal chopped off late on so things are squeaky tight.

"We scored goals at home to see off Arbroath at home and then defended magnificently away from home and it would be great to do the same."

Airdrie will give defensive pair Paul Lovering and Cameron MacDonald until the last minute to prove their fitness for the trip.

Jimmy Boyle has again ruled out Graeme Owens and Phil Johnston through injury and has told his men to maintain the attacking style that took them into the end-of-season contest and past First Division Ayr at the weekend.

Boyle said: "We will go there and give it a go as that is the only way we know how to play. We have attacked teams all season and scored goals all season but over time we have become better at not conceding goals.

"I will not be changing things around just because this game is a play-off one."