MATCH PREVIEW: Airdrieonians v Forfar Athletic

The ‘Loons’ head west to Airdrie on Tuesday evening for what should be their final midweek fixture in the league this term.

In some ways the fixture will be over shadowed by the fact that the ‘Diamonds’ manager Eddie Wolecki Black remains in an Edinburgh hospital thankfully it would appear from reports, already making a steady recovery from a stroke that he suffered during the half-time interval at Cowdenbeath on Saturday.

Certainly the thoughts and best wishes of all concerned at Station Park are with him and his family at this time.

It is another of those incidents where it makes you full realise that football is only a game and perhaps not the ‘life and death scenario’ we at times make it out to be.

Airdrie went on courtesy of two Jim Lister second half goals to clinch all three points at Central Park on Saturday, a result which sees them sit in fourth position in the Ladbrokes League 1 table, ahead of near neighbours Albion Rovers on goal difference.

Following on their wins over Cowdenbeath and Albion, the Athies have been disappointed consequently with away defeats last week at Brechin and Stranraer.

They must soldier on however and there is no doubt that Gary Bollan and his staff on their return to their old stomping ground for the first time will have the side in the correct frame of mind for the task ahead.

Gareth Rodger returns after his one match ban, while Michael Dunlop may also be available for selection.

Iain Campbell who battled manfully for the cause despite not being one hundred per cent fit at Stair Park is however likely to miss out.

Away back on the opening day of the season a Chris Templeman goal gave Forfar a 1-0 victory at the Excelsior, while Airdrie came out on top 3-2 in the late autumn at Station Park.

That afternoon, the visitors raced into a three goal lead before the half hour mark, Forfar fighting back through a Scott Martin brace, ultimately to no avail.

A victory tomorrow night would lift the ‘Loons’ above Cowdenbeath into third bottom spot, this prior to the Fifers visit to Station Park on Saturday.

The match which has a 7.45p.m. kick-off will be refereed by first season Grade One official David Munro.