Ayr United vow to beat Brechin and finish second in the league

May 6 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BRIAN REID has vowed Ayr United won’t take their foot off the pedal in the final league game of the season.

But key players, who are only one booking away from bans, will again sit out Saturday’s trip to Brechin.

Ayr need to win to guarantee second top if third placed Forfar beat Dumbarton.

An Ayr victory would allow East Fife to pip Brechin for the last play-off spot if the Fifers win at Airdrie.

Ayr are assured a shoot-out against Forfar but finishing second would give them the advantage of playing at home in the second leg a week on Saturday.

That would give them a trip to Station Park next Wednesday.

The winners will face either Cowdenbeath, Brechin or East Fife in the two leg final on May 18 and 22.

Reid insists: “We are going to Brechin to win to keep our momentum going and finish second.

“We have lost only once in the last six games and that was against 10 men at Livingston when I felt we were unlucky.

“If we play as we can, we can win promotion, I have no doubt about that. We’ve got the players who are as good as anybody.

“I reckon we are the biggest club in the play-offs and have the largest fan base.

“Two years ago that gave us a bigadvantage and our travelling support meant our away games felt like home matches. That gives a big lift to the players.”

Ayr won 3-0 at Glebe Park last month but this time, they’ll have to do it without top scorer Mark Roberts, Ryan McCann and Jonathan Tiffoney who are sitting on a suspension threshold.

Reid said: “I won’t take a risk with the play-offs so near but surely this is a rule which needs looked at.

“Bookings shouldn’t carry into the play-offs which are extra games to the league season.

“Two seasons ago, Ryan Stevenson was only one booking away from a ban in November. He went three months without another but then got a yellow which ruled him out of the first leg of the play-off final.

“I feel there should be a reward for good behaviour.”

Reid praised veteran defender Jim Lauchlan who bravely played in the 3-1 win over Airdrie despite also being on a suspension tightrope.

He said: “I discussed it with Jimmybeforehand and he said he was happy to play. But nowadays you can get booked for looking the wrong way so you have to be careful.”

Reid was cheered by the performance of those who came in against Airdrie.

On loan Hibs teenager David Crawford excelled in his first start, Ross Robertson again got 90 minutes while under 19 scoring star Roddy Paterson got a late run.

Reid said: “There are opportunities for young players and I have always said age is irrelevant. But they need to show they are good enough.”