Ian will build on success

Ian Murray is looking for his Airdrie side to deliver some home comforts for Diamonds supporters – starting with this weekend’s clash with East Fife.

Saturday’s hard- fought 2-1 victory at a rain-soaked Stranraer made it back-toback away wins for the team.

However, the Diamonds have won just one of the seven league games played at their Penny Cars stadium home this season.

New gaffer Murray is hoping they can build on the Stranraer success when East Fife come calling this Saturday.

He said: “We have to try and give our fans something to shout about.

“They obviously turn up in greater numbers at home games and we need to rectify our form on our own patch, starting this Saturday.

“Playing East Fife gives us a direct chance to close the gap on a team currently in the play-off positions.”

Murray was impressed by his side’s display at Stranraer, with midfielders Grant Gallagher and Kyle Wilkie’s first goals for the club sealing the win.

Although Kyle Turner pulled a goal back for the hosts with half-an-hour

remaining, the Diamonds gaffer was in no doubt they deserved their triumph.

Murray said: “It was a good performance and the team played really well; they worked incredibly hard and their aggression levels were high.

“Conditions were difficult as the rain was pretty constant, but we played some good stuff and were worthy of the win; we could’ve scored one or two more.

“It was nice to see Grant and Kyle get their first goals as both of them have been working very hard for the team.”

Goalkeeper Ben McKenzie made his first start of the season for the Diamonds after regular number one David Hutton was ruled out through injury.

Murray said: “Ben did very well; he’s a young guy and it’s all still a bit of a learning curve for him.

“But while David is our number one, Ben did his chances no harm at all with his performance on Saturday.”

This weekend’s game with East Fife marks Murray’s first month in the Diamonds dugout and he has hailed his players’ response to his methods.

He said: “They are taking everything on board and understand what we are trying to create here.

“Training might be slightly different for them but we are putting a new culture in place at the club and they are embracing the change.”

New methods Ian Murray