By Graham Barnstaple
November 4 2011

Outside the SPL there is a big game in Coatbridge when Lanarkshire rivals Airdrie and Albion Rovers meet up in League action.

This may not be the biggest derby in the world but for 1100 people who turn up tomorrow it will be one of the most passionate, played between two sets of fans who don’t like each other very much.

In recent season there haven’t been many opportunities for the two clubs to play each other, particularly in League football, although the two did meet in the League Cup last season with Airdrie winning 1-0 at Cliftonhill.

This was a game that was fully committed on the field but had the usual nonsense off the field with a scuffle breaking out at half time between the remnants of the famous “Section B” and some of the locals.

This was actually the first competitive meeting between Airdrie United and their neighbours.

Earlier this season the Rovers were sitting above the Diamonds in the League table something that many couldn’t remember having happened in living memory!

The first meeting in the season wasn’t as close as last season’s with the Diamonds securing a 4-0 win at home. The Rovers have won their last two league games without losing a goal and should have confidence ahead of this one.

No matter how it turns out for a small part of the footballing world this will be the most important game of the day and will have ramifications locally for the days afterwards.