Ayr United will play to win at Raith

Mar 13 2009 by Mike Wilson

DEAN KEENAN insists title chasing Ayr won’t play for a draw in Saturday’s top of the table showdown against Raith Rovers.

And he reckons all the pressure is on the second top Kirkcaldy side who trail United by four goals.

With ten games to go, boss Brian Reid believes there are many twists and turns in the race to the flag which many think could go to the wire.

Ayr face a tough seven days, heading to Raith on Saturday and East Fife on Wednesday before entertaining play-off hopefuls Peterhead.

Versatile Keenan says Ayr will travel to Fife looking for a win but if a draw is the outcome they won’t be unhappy.

He said: “We don’t want to play for a draw but if a draw comes we’ll take it. We would still go back down the road top of the league and that’s a big comfort for us. But all the pressure is on Raith to win because they want to get back on top.”

A big Ayr support is bound for Stark’s Park and Reid believes they can play a major part as the title chase reaches the final furlong.

He said: “It would be nice if they filled the stand because they can be our 12th man. It was good to see the numbers up on Saturday and I hope they continue to grow.

“We’ve a good record at Kirkcaldy. The last time there we lost 3-2 after a soft penalty and an injury time goal but before that, we had gone something like five unbeaten.”

Reid is thrilled by the capture of St Johnstone skipper Kevin James on an emergency loan. The 33-year-old 6ft 7in stopper managed only five games with Saints this season due to injury but sailed through Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of struggling Stranraer. He has signed for 28 days with the option for an extension.

Reid said: “Kevin made a big difference by coming in and talking to players and that’s one of the reasons why he is here. His experience will keep the players right and hopefully he’ll be a good help to us. You are always looking for leaders and Kevin is certainly that, also giving us a threat in both boxes.”

The joust between opposing giantdefenders, James and Raith’s comebackveteran Marvin Andrews, will be eagerly awaited. But Ayr, the top scorers in the SFL with 53 goals, are confident they have the armoury to pose problems.

Willie Easton (hamstring) trained with the physio on Monday evening. But Saturday will be too soon for a comeback.

Allan Dempsie, whose booking against Stranraer took him over the limit, has copped a two match ban but is OK for the Fife double header.

United U16s are away to Queen’s Park on Sunday in the SFA Youth Initiative. Last weekend’s game at home to Elgin was off.