Ayr United can put safety in their own hands

Apr 23 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BEAT Airdrie and put safety in your own hands.

That's Brian Reid's call to Ayr United ahead of a crunch four game run-in that will determine their First Division fate.

And hero keeper Craig Samson insists the players believe they are good enough to survive.

A Wednesday night win over Airdrie would lift Ayr above Morton on goal difference and take them out of the bottom two with three games to go.

And weary Raith Rovers, who head Ayr by four points but face a hectic finishing schedule, are also on the radar.

Reid says: "We are capable of going on another run and that's what we have to do. Draws are no use with four games to go - we need wins to keep us moving.

"Fortunately, it's in our own hands. If we beat Airdrie we can jump ahead of Morton who we have still to play on the final day of the season.

“We have a massive incentive and the players are well aware of it. I don’t expect anything less than 100 per cent from Airdrie who are one of the form teams of the moment.”

Goal hero Danny McKay, whose superb strike earned a 1-0 win at Partick, could well start on the bench where he has made a big impact.

Reid said: “Danny has shown he can make a big impression but I am trying to be a wee bit protective of him.”

Tam McManus didn’t train on Monday night but is hoping to shake off a toe injury that saw him taken off at Firhill.

Martyn Campbell (calf), Andy Aitken (groin) and Rocky Visconte (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.

Reid said: "Everyone worked their socks off against Thistle and we defended well as a team. We deserved our clean sheet.

"It wasn't a pretty game as the pitch wasn't conducive to passing football but we worked hard and got the wee break we needed."

Samson, who had some good saves, says the players have no lack of confidence.

The keeper said: "It will be a massive achievement to stay up because we are essentially a part-time club in a full-time league. No one was more disappointed than the players when we had a bad run but we believe we can go and win games.

"It was a wonder strike by big Danny to beat Thistle and sometimes you need a great finish to win a game."

On Saturday, Ayr entertain champions elect Inverness before hosting Scottish Cup finalists Ross County next Wednesday. The final league game could be a crunch against Morton at Cappielow on Saturday, May 1.

lSix Inverness fans will walk back to the Highlands after Saturday's game, continuing a ritual they have done for the final away fixture over the last few seasons.