Airdrieonians v Stirling Albion preview
27th February 2015
Tomorrow's match is a must-win for Airdrie - but so is every home game between now and the end of the season.
That's the view of Marc Fitzpatrick as the Diamonds prepare to welcome Stirling Albion.
The midfielder knows that other results will need to favour Airdrie if they're to claim a play-off place, but continuing a five-match unbeaten streak is vitally important.
"The team is on a great run just now, we've been turning draws into wins.
"I think we need to win on Saturday to keep our play-off hopes alive, we need to try and win all our home games and take as many points away as we can.
"There is definitely a belief in the squad - I think we all know we're a good enough team to be in the play-offs.
"It's going to be difficult with the teams above having a few games in hand, but all we can do is keep winning football games and hope that the teams above us slip up."
Bottom side Stirling are Saturday's visitors, but Fitzpatrick is under no illusions about the task in hand.
"I think every team is fighting for something in this league just now which makes it a great league to be involved in.
"Stirling are bottom, but I think looking at their results recently they have been unfortunate not to pick up more points. They're a good side and they'll be determined to come here and get a good result to close the gap."
The Binos have drawn twice with the Diamonds already, playing out an entertaining 0-0 at New Broomfield early in the season before twice being ahead in a 2-2 draw at Forthbank in October.
A change of manager followed in November, with Stuart McLaren taking over from the outgoing Greig McDonald.
With another crucial fixture looming as the season draws to a conclusion, Fitzpatrick is loving life at New Broomfield.
"I've enjoyed my season so far, I'm enjoying playing in midfield again as I hadn't really played there since leaving Motherwell.
"I think we're a better team than our league position suggests, and I'm looking forward to the run in and hopefully securing a playoff place - and a few more weeks of football for fans and players alike."