Airdrie boss sets victory quartet target but scales down Montrose match importance

Airdrie manager Ian Murray says his side have “nothing to lose” when they travel to third-placed Montrose in League One on Saturday.

The Diamonds made ground on leaders Cove Rangers at the weekend, thanks to a 2-0 win for them at East Fife and 1-1 draw between Queen’s Park and Cove.

Calum Gallagher’s brace made it 16 matches unbeaten for the New Broomfield side.

Having won the last match against Montrose 4-1, but losing the previous two, Murray isn’t taking anything for granted.

The 41-year-old said: “Montrose picked up a great win at Falkirk last Saturday. We have had some really good games against them this season but it has been a mixed bag for ourselves as we have lost two.

“It doesn’t count for very much as, at the end of the day, it is second versus third. We have nothing to lose and Montrose don’t have anything to lose either.

“So hopefully it is a really entertaining game, we take the three points and we can move on.”

Murray was also keen to praise Gallagher after the former St Mirren and Rangers star’s double against East Fife. The 27-year-old has now scored 14 goals in as many games against the Bayview side.

Murray says he’s not surprised, given Gallagher’s work ethic.

He said: “Gal always seems to score against East Fife and he has done now for a few seasons. Football is a funny game. I am delighted for him as he’s such a workhorse for us.

“He’s gaining experience all the time and he understands the system we play in. He’s always in and around the box, and he will miss a few chances, but that is Gal.

“He never lets his head get down and he’s always confident.”

Leaders Cove Rangers dropping points to Queen’s Park – who recently announced Airdrie legend Owen Coyle as their new manager – has cut the gap to one