Mason Hancock has urged his team-mates to show they're up for the fight when they tackle East Kilbride in the SPFL Trust Trophy (Image: SNS Group)

Airdrie stars must fight for their shirts in East Kilbride cup clash, says defender

Mason Hancock says the SPFL Trust Trophy tie is a chance for the Diamonds to show what they can do

by · Daily Record

Mason Hancock has urged Airdrie’s players to use Saturday’s SPFL Trust Trophy clash against East Kilbride as a chance to fight for their shirts.

And he says only the Diamonds can pull themselves out of their current position.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Dunfermline means Airdrie go into the fourth-round clash bottom of the Championship and looking for a first win in nine games when Mick Kennedy’s Lowland League champions come calling at New Broomfield.

Defender Hancock says Airdrie are well aware of where they’re going wrong and how to fix it.

But though they beat East Kilbride 8-0 in the Premier Sports Cup back in July, Hancock expects a really tough test.

He said: “Only we can pull ourselves out of what we’re in right now.

“We’re not sitting in there worried, we know where we’re going wrong, but it’s about passing that message across to stay with it, it’s going to happen, it’s normal, but in that sense we’re the only ones that can put things right for us.

“The cup game takes the pressure off, in terms of our league form.

Hancock scored a vital equaliser against Dunfermline, ending a run of three straight defeats (Image: SNS Group)

“I think Saturday was much better, we were unlucky not to walk away with all three points. It’s just that final bit, that composure.

“Next week is a chance to express ourselves on the pitch, potentially give boys opportunities to fight for their shirt, get that healthy competition going.

“But it’s a great opportunity to work on things, take the pressure off the league, go out there and get a win.”

Hancock, 21, endured a struggling season on loan at Arbroath from Aberdeen two years ago and is ready to offer advice.

He said: “I’m a young player in a young team, but I’ll give everything I can about what I know about this league to the boys in the changing room, and it goes a long way.

Hancock says Airdrie know where they're going wrong, and how to fix it (Image: SNS Group)

“For a lot of the boys in there it’s their first experience of Championship football, and it’s a tough league.

“Last year we had a good season, we got a bit of luck, and that’s just what happens in this league.

“It will swallow you if you’re not doing too well, and it will boost you when you are.”

Saturday’s SPFL Trust Trophy fourth round clash kicks off at 1.30pm.

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