AYR MOFF TO A FLIER
Returning hero is ready to get club back on the up
AYR goal hero Michael Moffat insists he can fire them back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
The 32-year-old striker got off to a dream start by netting in their opening day 5-1 thrashing of Albion Rovers after returning to the Honest Men for a second spell this summer.
Moffat has vowed to keep rattling in the goals but has urged his Ayr team-mates to turn Somerset Park into a fortress as they look to mount a League One title bid this season.
Ahead of welcoming Forfar today he said: “It is good to be a full-time team again and the manager Ian McCall really means business as he wants to take us straight back up to the Championship.
“He took the blame for Ayr being relegated and is determined to put that right this season.
“Ayr certainly have the players to AIRDRIE have Sean McIntosh back after a ban but Marc Fitzpatrick remains out injured and star striker Andy Ryan is a doubt with a foot injury.
Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is spoiled for choice as he has a fully fit and suspension-free squad.
Robbie Crawford should return from injury for Ayr but Jamie Adams is out while Andy Geggan achieve our aim. We scored five goals against Rovers in our first league game of the season which was the perfect start for us.
“I am loving being back at Ayr and it was great to get off the mark in the league last week. I have got three and
hopefully there will be plenty and Craig McGuffie are doubts with knocks.
Forfar have everyone available except keeper Grant Adam who remains out through illness.
East Fife new boy Scott Linton could feature and Ross Mutch is available after injury but Jonathan Page, Mark Lamont, Chris Kane more to come. If Ayr are to be serious title contenders then we need to make sure that Somerset Park is a fortress and that we win most of our home games. “There are a lot of quality teams and it could be tight for large parts of the season so home form could be massive.” Forfar defender Eddie Malone reckons their next two games against title favourites Ayr and Raith Rovers will be an early gauge of what it takes to stay in the league. He said: “We could not have asked for a harder start to life in League One. “Ayr and Raith are the bookies’ favourites. It will give us an indication of the standard to reach. “It will be very difficult but we are determined to be competitive in every game.”
and Kevin Smith remain out for Alloa who are fully fit.
Queen’s Park have Scott Gibson and Ryan Docherty available to face Albion Rovers who are again without banned Michael McMullin while Joao Victoria is a doubt.
Raith Rovers are without suspended Iain Davidson against Stranraer who have a full squad available to boss Stevie Farrell.