Airdrie v Alloa: Diamonds boss will treat clash like cup final as side bid to top group

Daily Record

a day ago

Airdrie and Alloa both have 100 per cent records ahead of today's Group C showdown
Airdrie have put themselves into pole position to win Premier Sports Cup Group C – but boss Rhys McCabe says the now face a 'cup final' with Alloa today to top the table and reach the last 16.
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The Diamonds beat Premiership side Dundee 1-0 at Dens Park to open their group on July 12, and followed that up with a 3-0 win over Bonnyrigg Rose at New Broomfield and a 2-1 win at Montrose on Wednesday night.
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They now host Alloa today in a winner-takes-all clash.
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While that gives Airdrie a chance to qualify as group leaders and get a seeded draw in the next round, McCabe isn't taking anything for granted.
'It's a good opportunity, especially after the start we've had,' said McCabe. 'We've had good wins, good performances and clean sheets in there, so there are a lot of positives to build on – but we know we have to try to get the job done.
'Getting that first win against Dundee gives you the catalyst and the position that we're in, as a Championship club, you're looking strong. But you still have to go out and put those performances and results together.
'We've given ourselves a chance with a right positive start, but we're looking to continue that and not slack off.
'We've played different levels of opposition, we've been really strong defensively. There are loads of positives to build on, but we know the work is not finished.'
Both Airdrie and Alloa have 100 per cent records and McCabe was full of praise for the Wasps ahead of their showdown.
He said: 'Full credit to them for three really good results, and performances to go with that. It sets us up almost for a shoot-out. Hopefully we can go in on Saturday, get the job done, and top the group. 'It's a chance to go through seeded and win all the games in your group, so it becomes almost a final. That's the way I look at it. We're at home, we know the pitch, and we've got to make sure that we take the good elements of the last three games and tidy up on a few wee bits and bobs. We go into it at home with the full intent to win the game.'