Reid urges Ayr Utd fans to pump up the noise

Apr 2 2008 Ayrshire Post

BRIAN REID has urged Ayr fans to pump up the noise and roar them to the play-offs.

With four games to go, United can’t afford any slips to have any chance of closing the five point gap on fourth top Alloa.

And boss Reid insists the supporters can play their part as the club tries to end the season on a high.

He said: “The noise they created in the home game against Airdrie United definitely helped the players and we should have won even with ten men.

“Mathematically, we still have a chance of grabbing a play-off spot so we’ll give it our best shot.

“We probably need to win three and draw one but the good thing is we have given ourselves a chance.

“We now face four cup finals and if we do manage to get there, it will be a bonus.”

Reid admits the players are kicking themselves at silly dropped points earlier in the season which ultimately could cost them.

But he resists claims that a home hoodoo has been the undoing.

Reid declared: “We have won six at home and six away and our home victories are on a par with teams round about us and only three less than leaders Ross County.

“We’ve won our last five away games which is great but I’ll take wins anywhere. We’re probably top of the form league since January 1 and the boys are playing with great confidence.”

Andy McLaren, who made a surprise late appearance in the 2-1 win at Alloa, trained on Monday evening and is set to start on the bench at home to Raith Rovers on Saturday.

Reid said: “Playing Andy from the bench at Alloa was really forced upon us as we were done to bare bones. He’s a quality player and if we could get him 100 per cent fit it would be a real bonus.

“Andy is very eager but I have got to protect him and not bring him back too soon.”

Reid also praised Martyn Campbell and Chris Robertson who were both carrying niggles but insisted on playing.

And he hailed Gareth Wardlaw who was forced into an unfamilar wide right midfield role but still chipped in with his third goal of the season.

Reid said: “Gareth is a fit guy with plenty of strength and I knew he would do us a job there which he did.”