Airdrie United vs Arbroath preview - Blockley blow for basement boys

Posted Friday, December 27, 2013 by PA

Airdrie are without the suspended Nathan Blockley as they aim to give their fight against relegation a major boost by defeating Arbroath.

Paddy Boyle, Grant Drummond and John Boyle (all knee), Chris O'Neill (groin) and Grant Evans (ankle) remain sidelined as League One's bottom club aim to record a first win in 10 league games and close the gap on ninth-placed Arbroath to two points.

Manager Gary Bollan said: "We are improving in every game and it was great to end a disappointing run with a draw at Stenhousemuir last weekend.

"This is a massive game for us and if we can beat Arbroath then we will take a huge lift from it."

Arbroath player-manager Paul Sheerin (chest infection) and Steven Doris (leg) are major doubts to face the Diamonds.

The Gayfield men include a fit-again Darren Smith while Bobby Linn has shaken off a knock to be included.

However, Sheerin will definitely be without the suspended Graham Bayne and Ross Chisholm, who is unavailable due to family commitments.

Sheerin said: "This is a huge game and if we can win it we would open up an eight point gap and dampen any momentum that Airdrie are trying to build. It would also allow us to head into another massive game with East Fife with confidence."