Ian Murray says his Airdrie stars have shown a remarkable response to their defeat to Partick Thistle last week to secure a League One play-off spot with a game to spare.
The Jags edged the Diamonds 1-0 last Saturday before going on to seal the title on Tuesday with a 5-0 win over Falkirk.
But Airdrie have taken a step closer to joining them in the Championship next season after beating Cove Rangers 2-0 yesterday, thanks to second half efforts from Calum Gallagher and Dean Ritchie, following a midweek win over Montrose.
That is enough to guarantee them a play-off spot and a win in their final match on Tuesday at home to Falkirk would see them finish runners-up in the table, as well as ensuring they avoid Championship side Morton in the play-off semi-finals.
Murray said: "It's really nice for us to be in the play-offs with a game to spare and also in a position to try and clinch second place. It's in our hands for that.
"It was a really good result and a really good performance as well, which was a continuation of the good work we've been doing.
"We had a poor first half against Partick and we lost a very tight game.
"I knew the players would be fine and, to be honest, if we'd beaten Partick I think we'd be looking at a completely different ball game for the league [title].
"But in terms of recovery and the way the players have handled everything has been remarkable.
"I told them going into the Montrose game that it was a real test for us. I didn't want any of this shoulders down going into the game.
"That was a pressure game and we handled it extremely well.
"It's one defeat in seven very hard games.
"But the players have done excellent to get ourselves in a position where we'll be either second or third in this league to Partick Thistle, which is a great achievement with the resources they've had to hand."
Gallagher's goal for the Diamonds was his fourth in his last six games, while ex-Hearts kid Ritchie bagged his first goal for the club since arriving from Tynecastle in the summer.
Murray was thrilled to see Gallagher continue his fine form, but revealed everyone was over the moon for 20-year-old Ritchie.
"I'm absolutely delighted for Deano," said Murray. "He's worked really hard after a setback at Hearts and we've tried to give him a platform.
"Hopefully he has enjoyed it and I think we are all delighted for him.
"He's such a great member of the squad in terms of his character and his personality and he adds to that with his ability, so it was a nice moment for everybody.
"And Cal is a great number nine. He's got great experience, he's in the box all the time, he doesn't worry too much when he misses chances, he takes the game in stages and he's always a threat.
"He showed that against Cove with a great finish, a lovely header after a lovely cross from Thomas [Robert].
"We are just delighted for everyone to be in the play-offs and it comes at a time when we are gathering a little bit of form and a little bit of momentum, so we look forward to it."
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