Scott Walker says Airdrie will have to work hard for a positive result against Dumbarton on Saturday, no matter how good the Diamonds’ recent form has been.

Airdrie go into the match having won five and drawn one of their last seven matches, a run which has seen Ian Murray’s side climb to third in the cinch League 1 table.

With the latest triumph coming courtesy of an excellent 3-0 win at The Falkirk Stadium last weekend, the Diamonds hope to continue their upward trend against a Dumbarton side which have fallen away in recent weeks after a strong start to life under new boss Stevie Farrell.

Defender Walker was one of those who put in a professional performance at Falkirk, having had a slow start to the season, and the 20-year-old is hoping to stay in contention for a starting place.

“We had a good end to last season but obviously fell short, but when I came back this season I had a wee injury at the start and it was hard to get into the team - we’ve obviously brought in a lot of good players.

“We’ve been playing really well - especially the last few games, we’ve been flying. There’s a lot of people that can play different positions, so hopefully I can just keep playing well and training well.”

Goals from Dylan Easton, Callum Smith and Josh Kerr handed the Diamonds another memorable away day at Westfield, moving the club up the table where they now sit level on points - and goal difference - with second-placed Cove Rangers.

Walker was delighted to play his part.

“I was really happy to play on Saturday, and it was good to get the victory.

“I thought we played really well. I got forward more than I thought I would, to be honest… because I’ve not played I thought the fitness would be lacking, but it was alright.”

The Diamonds are back at the Penny Cars Stadium this weekend as they welcome a Dumbarton side who have enjoyed a new lease of life under former Stranraer boss Farrell.

The pair met at the C&G Systems Stadium in August where Airdrie raced into a two goal lead courtesy of a Gabby McGill header and Rhys McCabe’s penalty. With Sam Wardrop dismissed after a second yellow card, the Sons made their numerical advantage count as Ryan McGeever and Andy Geggan scored in the last ten minutes to secure a 2-2 draw.

Scott believes that day is the perfect example of why Dumbarton’s recent downturn in form may not have any bearing on Saturday’s match.

“It was disappointing not to get the result in the end, but I felt we played quite well. Obviously having ten men didn’t help, but we could have been out of sight before that.

“In this league anything can happen, so I wouldn’t say it’s a good time or a bad time. Dumbarton will be looking to bounce back and we’ll be looking to continue our good form.”

Manager Ian Murray is looking for more of the same from his side, but is cautious to warn against complacency.

“Dumbarton are a stuffy side who have undone us here last season and took a point earlier this season, and we need to remain focussed, calm and relaxed going into the game.

“We can’t get too wrapped up on how well we’ve been playing and we certainly can’t be living on past glories. We need to make sure we follow it up.”

The Diamonds boss is pleased to have a full squad ahead of the match, with the obvious exception of long-term injury victim Luke Lyons, who is hoping to return to the squad within 3-4 weeks.

Referee Scott Lambie takes charge of his first Airdrie match of the season.

Tickets and live-stream access are available using the links below, and fans are reminded that proof-of-vaccination procedures do not apply in this instance.