The title race is not McCall over
Boss feels there could be one last twist in story
“Gut- wrenching” was the only way Ian McCall could describe his side’s defeat to Alloa.
The Ayr United gaffer watched on as his side lost for the second time in as many weeks, giving Raith championship point in the League One title race.
Alloa raced to a two- goal lead at half- time.
Iain Flannigan opened the scoring on 21 minutes after a perfectly squared ball from Kevin Cawley.
And the home side doubled their lead on 33 minutes when Andy Geggan failed to clear a long ball into the box and left back Callum Crane stole in to make it 2- 0.
United got themselves back into the game five minutes after halftime as Craig Moore calmly rounded goalkeeper Neil Parry for his 26th goal of the season after an inch perfect through ball from Craig McGuffie.
And Ayr had the perfect chance to equalise 13 minutes from time.
David Ferguson was judged to have been been pushed as he rose for an Alan Forrest cross.
Craig Moore stepped up looking to hit goal number 27 – but his rocket penalty flew over the bar towards the devastated away fans.
McCall said: “I won’t deny that it was a devastating blow. In the second half when we were really dominant.
“I don’t think we saw that one coming. Alloa: Parry, Robertson, Crane, Graham, Taggart, Fleming, Cawley ( Smith), Hetherington, Stewart ( Renton), Kirkpatrick, Flannigan ( Crossan). Subs not used: Meggatt, Monaghan, Goodwin, Wilson. Booked: Taggart, Robertson, Kirkpatrick.
Ayr: Hart, Rose, Geggan ( McGuffie), Moffat, Crawford, Moore, McDaid ( Forrest), Ferguson, Adams, Kerr, Bell. Subs not used: Hare- Reid, Faulds, Murphy, McCowan. Booked: Moffat, Crawford, Kerr.
Referee: Greg Aitken. Crowd: 1749.
“I thought we were very poor in the first half.
“They probably deserved a lead, albeit I don’t think they deserved a two goal lead.
“In the second half Andy ( Geggan) had to come off and we changed it around.
“We made two or three big chances and obviously the penalty was a big one.
“I think if we score that then we go on and win the game.
“It’s tough to be hard on Craig ( Moore) as he has scored 26 goals this season.
“But obviously it’s a hell of a game to do that, but a lot better players than Craig have missed penalties.”
The result leaves Raith a point ahead of United going into the last game of the season.
Ayr will host Albion Rovers, who need a result to ensure they won’t be relegated automatically.
Raith will play Alloa, with Ayr requiring the Kirkcaldy side to draw at best for the league title to head to Ayrshire.
“Not long ago Raith were in the driving seat, and two weeks ago we were in the driving seat.
“So who knows? We have got to go next week and be really focused.
“We need to see what happens, if it’s going to be the play- offs then we deal with that.
“But Raith are playing Alloa next week and they are a good side.”
If Ayr fail to pip Raith at the post then they will face the team who comes third out of Alloa and Arbroath in the play- offs over two legs, with Dumbarton facing the side who finish fourth.
“It’s gut- wrenching, and what I will say is if it is the play- offs then we will give it our best shot as we want to go up.
“But it justwon’t feel the same for us.”