Airdrie striker Calum Gallagher says Sunday’s match with former club Dumbarton could have an added edge to it after a madcap game earlier in the season.
The Diamonds head into the first contest of 2022 off the back of a 3-1 win over Alloa and having beaten Queen’s Park 1-0 on Wednesday night in their bid for promotion from League One to the Championship.
It may have been 3-2 to Airdrie when the sides met in October, but that doesn’t tell the full story.
The match produced four red cards for the Sons, including one for boss Stevie Farrell, two penalties (one saved) and a disallowed goal.
Ian Murray’s side made it 2-1 through Dylan Easton in the 90th minute before Dumbarton dramatically levelled four minutes later. If there wasn’t enough action already, Salim Kouider-Aissa won the game on 96 minutes.
Gallagher said: “Since I’ve been away from Dumbarton, I’ve had a good record against them. So I am hopeful that I can keep the foot down and grab a couple more goals before the end of 2021.
“In terms of my output, I’d like between eight and ten goals for each half of the term. That’s my personal aim and this is always a good fixture.
“I know the last match was a mental game so I think they will be gunning for us a wee bit.
"There were red cards and high emotions.
"So I’m sure they will be aiming to put us in the place for nicking points off them.”
The striker has been in good form of late, with two goals and two assists in five games prior to tonight’s [Wednesday’s] match with Queen’s Park.
His goal against Alloa made it six strikes for the season, a neat first touch after a long ball from Rhys McCabe providing an opening for a shot, which he grasped with both hands.
He added: “I think with the style of play we have, when we do play well, it is difficult for teams to manage it. It was a really good performance from us.
“It was nice to get a goal that wasn’t a tap-in from a yard out for a change!
“We know we are capable of mixing it up when we need to so Rhys picked me out well.
“My touch was good and took it wide and away from the goalkeeper, I was just happy to hit the target! It was a good day all around.”
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