This Saturday will see us round off our Viaplay Cup campaign as we host Airdrieonians in our final Group E fixture. Narrow defeats to Inverness and Dundee, followed by a 0-0 draw at Dumbarton (who took the bonus point by winning the penalty shootout) have us bottom of the group and unable to progress to the knockout rounds. That said, we’ve given a very good account of ourselves against Championship and Premiership opposition respectively, with plenty of positives to take into the new league campaign.

Airdrie currently sit top of Group E having won all three of their games to date. They began the group stage with a 2-0 win at home to Dumbarton before a 1-0 win against Dundee. Their first away game of the group took them North, to Inverness where Rhy’s McCabe’s men left it late to pick up another 3 points thanks to Nikolay Todorov’s 88th minute strike to make it 3-2 to the visitors.

Saturday will provide arguably the toughest test so far in the group for Robbie Horn’s men. The Diamonds are already in red hot form with their three Viaplay Cup wins on the bounce and having also secured some early season silverware by defeating Motherwell B and Albion Rovers to retain the North Lanarkshire Cup.

It’s an exciting time to be an Airdrie fan following the clubs promotion to the SPFL Championship. A penalty shootout win against Hamilton Accies after a 2-2 aggregate score line in the promotion play of final in May sparked jubilant scenes amongst the travelling support. Rhy’s McCabe has added to his already talented squad with the acquisitions of the aforementioned striker Nikolay Todorov from Dunfermline, Elliot Dunlop and Dean McMaster (loan made permanent) from St Mirren along with Josh O’Connor and Murray Aitken from Hibernian on loan. Rose will need to be wary of threats from all over the park, none more so than striker Calum Gallagher. The front man is looking for his first goal of the new season following a hugely successful season last time around. Gallagher won the club’s Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year, Goal of the Season and Top Goal Scorer awards. In addition he was also the League One joint top goal scorer earning him the PFA Player of the Year award and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

Robbie Horn took the opportunity last Saturday at the Rock to rotate his side and give much needed minutes to players in preparation for the new league campaign. This weekend, despite the Rose being unable to advance from the group, is sure to provide another strong test and opportunity for players to show why they should be given a starting berth ahead of the league opener against Dumbarton at NDP on Saturday 5th August.

Supporters will be able to pay at the gate this weekend with prices set at £15/£10/£5. Those of you who are unable to make it to NDP can still watch all of the action live via Rose TV for just £10 by securing your stream HERE. As advised earlier in the week, regrettably we’ve had to cancel hospitality for this fixture, however we are taking bookings for all Saturday home fixtures, starting with the aforementioned Dumbarton game on 5th August. You can find more information on our hospitality and sponsorship packages, and how to get in touch to book HERE

Be sure to pop in and visit our new Club Shop on Saturday prior to kick off, situated opposite the snack bar, you’ll be able to get kitted out for the new season with our selection of replica kits, t shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, caps, scarves and more.

See you all on Saturday. Mon the Rose!

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