Nicky Cadden is hoping to increase the gap between Airdrie and Saturday's opponents Forfar Athletic.

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The wide man has been in scintillating form for the Diamonds' U20s side, and was rewarded with his first start of the season against Albion Rovers last weekend.

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Now he hopes that his pacey, attacking display - setting up Bryan Prunty for Airdrie's goal in the 1-1 draw - was enough to keep him in the team.

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"I was pleased to be starting on Saturday but disappointed to only draw the match. 

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"I thought we did enough to win and were the better team just before they got a soft penalty. In derby matches, the side on top doesn't alway win. I would love to stay in the side and help the team get back to winning ways."

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Forfar Athletic are the first hurdle, and they already have an opening-day win over Airdrie under their belts this season.

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A 2nd-minute Chris Templeman header gave the Diamonds the worst possible start to their league campaign, and despite dominating the second half an equaliser could not be found.

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Now Gary Bollan's men travel to Station Park hoping to turn the tables, and there may not be a better time to face the Angus side who have struggled for form after an impressive start to their league campaign.

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Dick Campbell's troops haven't won a game since mid-September, and have personnel problems ahead of tomorrow's clash.

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Derek Young, Thomas O'Brien and Kerr Hay are all suspended for the Loons, while Michael Travis and Lewis Allan miss out through injury with Mark Baxter and Michael Dunlop rated doubtful.

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Boss Campbell has brought in Aberdeen loanee Michael Rose for much needed defensive cover, but the Loons certainly don't have their troubles to seek.

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Despite missing a raft of key players, Cadden expects Forfar to be a tough proposition.

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"Station Park is always a hard place to go and get a result, but I think if we play to our ability we should win the match. 

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"Forfar are just two points behind us in the league so it is an important match.

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"If we get the result we are looking for it would create a nice gap between us."

The New Broomfield picture is somewhat brighter than that of their opponents, with long-term absentees Jim Lister and Scott Smith on the road to recovery - the former recuperating from an operation on the sports hernia which has ruled him out since March. 

Referee David Lowe is in charge of the fourth vs fifth tie.