Jim Lister looks forward to "special" festive fixtures - and describes tomorrow's showdown with Ayr United as "a six-pointer". 

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The Honest Men visit New Broomfield for the last match of 2014 trailing Airdrie by a point, but with a game in hand. 

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And with recent performances seeing the Diamonds climbing out of the relegation zone, Lister feels that last week's performance against league-leaders Forfar Athletic shows how far the team have progressed. 

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"I felt the whole team were frustrated not to take 3 points at Forfar. 

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"We absolutely battered them for 75 mins, but we need to score at these times. 

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"We felt it was 2 points dropped. The team are fantastic at the moment with a real momentum going, which is pleasing". 

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The festive fixtures put a different slant on the traditional Christmas for footballers, but Lister insists the Airdrie squad take it in their stride. 

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"The schedule is a huge disruption to family life - but we're all used to this.

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"There is something special at 3 bells during the festive period".

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Ayr United parted company with their manager - former Diamond Mark Roberts - earlier this month.

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With Andy Millen in temporary charge, Lister feels their players will have a point to prove - but insists that Airdrie need only worry about their own performance.

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"It doesn't really change anything. We will still go out with the same purpose, desire and dedication as usual".

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"Of course the players in the away team will be trying to solidify a place in the starting 11 - but we also have this.

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"As far as this game goes it's a 6-pointer with huge rewards for the winner, so come on the Diamonds!"