Rhys McCabe kept his cool as troubled Airdrieonians host leaders Falkirk

It was a far cry from the Airdrieonians who stormed into the play-off party last season before losing to Partick Thistle in the quarter-final.

But, as second-bottom Dunfermline jettisoned James McPake two days before Christmas, there seemed to be a different atmosphere at what is now the Albert Bartlett Stadium – and a feeling that perhaps all was not lost this season. .

“It’s been tough, but everybody’s on board,” McCabe said. “I think you’ve seen that in the performances, certainly in the last couple of weeks.

“It’s not a million miles away, even if it seems like it is now. They have to keep working hard.”

They will certainly be employed in Falkirk.

Manager John McGlynn was no doubt wise to the way his side squandered the lead three times against Dunfermline a week ago in the best televised game of the Championship season so far.

The silver lining for the Bairns is the second lead Livingston has dropped against Rovers, meaning Falkirk have a six-point lead at the top at the start of 2025.

However, there can be no resting on laurels in this division.

Top vs. bottom on Friday night. The importance of three points for Airdrieonians or Falkirk is huge.