Bryan Prunty is hoping to bounce back from opening-day disappointment with a win at Stenhousemuir.

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The striker knows what is required as the Diamonds aim to get their league campaign up and running at Ochilview.

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"We must be clinical in front of goal and give nothing away cheaply at the back. 

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"We want our first points on the board but know it will be a difficult match."

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A Chris Templeman header after only 88 seconds gave Forfar Athletic all three points at New Broomfield last weekend, and Prunty says it wasn't good enough.

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"The Forfar result was a huge disappointment for everyone. 

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"The players know that the first half wasn't acceptable but after the break we created chances and had an all round better display - however we lost the game so it wasn't the start we had hoped for.

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"Hopefully we can take our second half performance into the match at Ochilview."

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Airdrie's upcoming League Cup tie against Rangers is the hot topic amongst the New Broomfield faithful at the moment, but Bryan knows league business is the immediate concern.

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"The cup game against Rangers is a massive game for everyone at the Club - fans, coaches, players, and the board of directors - however there's arguably two bigger games in the league for us beforehand. 

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"We must get points on the board before the cup tie."

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The first opportunity to notch up those points comes with the short trip to Larbert to face Brown Ferguson's Stenhousemuir.

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The Warriors narrowly avoided relegation last term, but picked up a good away point at Peterhead to kick off the new season.

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With the addition of such players as Mark Gilhaney and Stephen Stirling, Stenny will be a tough proposition in their first home match of the campaign, although fellow newcomer Stuart Malcolm is suspended following his red card at Balmoor.

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Airdrie are still without striker Jim Lister and midfielder Marc Fitzpatrick through injuries.

Gavin Duncan referees the Ochilview tie.

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*Airdrie season ticket holders are eligible for a special initiative run by Stenhousemuir this season. Simply produce your Diamonds season book at the gate and admission will cost only £10.