Sean McIntosh grabbed a dramatic winner in the last epic Monklands derby, and is now looking forward to another battle with Albion Rovers.

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When the sides met at Cliftonhill in November of last year, substitute McIntosh forced the ball home in stoppage time to give Airdrie a 4-3 win.

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Now the defender is expecting another intense derby clash after a difficult start to the season.

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The Diamonds went down 4-0 to Queen of the South in the Irn-Bru cup on Tuesday evening, but McIntosh feels the scoreline was harsh.

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"We started the game well and had one or two good chances.

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"We played some decent stuff throughout but made it very difficult for ourselves at times, especially conceding so easily at set pieces."

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Rovers' midweek tie was mired in controversy after the Coatbridge men fielded an ineligible player in their penalty shoot-out win over Spartans.

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New boss Brian Kerr awaits the outcome of SPFL disciplinary proceedings, but free-scoring Rovers have otherwise made a strong start to the season.

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McIntosh says he and his Airdrie team-mates will have to be at their best to get a result.

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"I'm expecting it to be a very tough game. They're scoring a lot of goals and will be confident going into the game, especially with them being at home.

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"It's a derby after all and it's going to be a battle, we've all got to be switched on and ready for that."

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After his heroics last season, the versatile 20-year-old would be delighted with a similar outcome.

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"It was a great moment for me personally and also for the team. Especially the way the game went, to come on and score the winner so late on in a derby was a brilliant feeling - one that i won't forget very easily."

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Airdrie have strengthened ahead of the tie with the addition of Jordan McGregor. The central defender spent time on loan with the Diamonds last season, and Sean is pleased to see him back at the club.

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"Jojo is a great big lad and did well for us in his spell last season.

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"We've got a young squad and we've got to focus on what we've got just now and try do as well as we possibly can.

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"Of course some new additions and a bit of experience can only benefit us, so we're all staying positive."

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Referee David Lowe is in charge for the first Monklands derby of the new season.