Arbroath vs Airdrie preview - Keddie out of crunch clash

Posted Saturday, March 15, 2014 by PA

Arbroath will be without Alex Keddie for their crucial game against an Airdrie side that sit only one point above them in the table.

Centre-half Keddie is suspended and will join Leighton MacIntosh, who misses out with an ankle injury, on the sidelines. Connor Birse remains out following knee surgery.

Red Lichties player/manager Paul Sheerin is asking for calm at Gayfield.

He said: "We have won our last two games, which is terrific. However, we have not achieved anything as we are still at the foot of the table.

"We have to remain grounded and determined as that is the only way we will beat an Airdrie side who were on a good run before facing Rangers in midweek."

Airdrie will go into the match with the same squad that lost 3-0 to Rangers.

Injuries keep Chris O'Neill (groin), Grant Drummond (knee) and John Boyle (knee) on the sidelines.

Diamonds boss Gary Bollan said: "The Rangers game was huge for them as they won the league. However, this game is a huge one for us. We had been on a seven-game unbeaten run ahead of going to Ibrox so we are looking to get back to that form straight away.

"Arbroath will be on a high after winning against Brechin and East Fife. They have the target of getting off bottom spot but we are determined that they do not achieve it."