Calum Gallagher says the Diamonds will give their all as they aim for a top-four position - and a shot at the promotion play-offs.

The striker headed home the first goal of an exceptional Airdrie comeback at Links Park on Saturday, and although it was incorrectly credited as an own goal, Gallagher was happy to play his part in a big result.

“Montrose are a very well organised team and they made life difficult for us in the first half. However, come the second half I thought we dominated from the first kick to the last and played some of the best football we have since I arrived at the club.

“The boys were a credit to themselves and the club in the second half and were thoroughly deserving of a draw if not more. Personally, I was very relieved to get back to scoring ways - and yes I am raging at not getting the credit!”

The dramatic draw, sealed by a stoppage time Sean Crighton effort which was helped into the net by the Montrose goalkeeper, made it three unbeaten for Airdrie following a disappointing start after the resumption of the league campaign.

The importance of such momentum as the League One split approaches is not lost on Gallagher.

“I think it’s invaluable. The core of the team who were here last season remember our seven-game winning streak, and they’ll tell you that you begin to approach games in a more confident manner, which always plays a part on the pitch.

“This season, the league’s ‘sprint-finish’ format leaves very little room for error, so if we can continue this form we put ourselves in a great position come the business end of the split.”

The Diamonds face Forfar Athletic on Tuesday evening in their penultimate pre-split fixture.

Airdrie were victorious at Station Park in November, Thomas Robert, Dale Carrick and Kyle Connell grabbing the goals in an impressive 3-1 win.

With another home tie against East Fife following in a week's time, Calum knows that a winning mindset is required.

“We certainly must approach these two games with the same style and enthusiasm as we showed in the Falkirk game and the second half at Montrose.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league and we’ll go into the game with respect towards Forfar, who will be desperate not to end up on the bottom come the split.

“Ultimately, every game until the end of the season is a cup final and we will need to treat it as such.”

Manager Ian Murray is also keen to get his men back into action.

“It’s a big game for both teams. We go into it on the back of a draw, but also on the back of a good seven points out of the last nine.



“It will be a very hard game as always, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

The Diamonds boss is still without Paul Paton, Reece Murdoch and Josh Kerr, but otherwise has a clean bill of health.

Referee Barry Cook returns to the Penny Cars Stadium for the first time since the Diamonds' League One opener, a 2-0 victory over Peterhead.

You can watch the game on our DTVLive streaming service using the link below.