Ayr United boss urges caution

Mar 20 2009 by Mike Wilson

CAUTIOUS Ayr boss Brian Reid has urged everyone not to get carried away after Saturday's super win over flag rivals Raith Rovers.

Fans and players whooped it up at the final whistle and bookies slashed the title odds to 8/11 after the 1-0 victory sent Ayr three points clear with nine games to go.

But that lead was cut to goal difference on Tuesday evening when Raith beat Queen’s Park 1-0.

On Wednesday night, Ayr had the chance to retake the initiative when they headed to Methil to face East Fife.

On loan Kevin James, man of the match in the win at Kirkcaldy, was set for his 300th senior appearance.

Then on Saturday, United put their unbeaten home league record – only Liverpool and Ayr in Britain have yet to lose on their own soil – on the line against Peterhead.

Reid insists nothing has yet been won and added: “While beating Raith was a very important victory for us, there is still a quarter of the season to go. Nothing is decided in March – all that counts is where you finish in May.

“The players were delighted at the way they beat Raith especially as we suffered a sickening blow the last time we were there. We also had a superb travelling support with us who gave us a real lift with their tremendous backing.

“We’ll continue to take it game by game but we certainly won’t get carried away because there is still a long way to go.”

Martyn Campbell, who came off with a back twinge in the win over Raith, was expected to be fit for Wednesday. But it will be a game too soon for hamstring victim Willie Easton who should return against Peterhead when Allan Dempsie begins a two match ban. Four other players are only one booking away from a ban.

Murray Henderson, who lost his place on the bench with the arrival of James, has joined Arthurlie on loan for 28 days and played against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Junior Cup last Saturday.

Academy keeper David Mitchell, who has stepped up to the first team squad, has signed to the end of next season.