High life is new to Gable Endies

NEIL SCALLY reckons Ayr’s recent stumble hasn’t put their League One title ambitions out of stride.

After an impressive start to the campaign, defeat to Arbroath was followed by last week’s 2-1 loss to leaders Raith. But the Somerset Park assistant boss believes it’s a blip as he looks at the big picture.

The former Falkirk midfielder is adamant the setbacks haven’t put a dent in their ambitions ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Alloa.

Scally said: “We know it’s about bouncing back but even though we lost at Raith we did well in the game and shouldn’t look at it as huge blow.

“It was three points dropped, the performance was good even if the scoreline didn’t show that.

“Teams are going to lose games. We know we will be beaten now and again throughout the season but as long as you get beaten by playing the game the right way then you accept that.”

Alloa assistant Paddy Connolly believes the trip to Ayr is another chance to build some momentum after last week’s 2-1 win over Forfar.

He said: “If we can get three points at Ayr then it will set us up to try to gain that bit of consistency all clubs strive for.” STEWART PETRIE’S Montrose are suffering from a bout of vertigo according to Martyn Fotheringham.

The Gable Endies are unbeaten after five games and sit one point behind leaders and today’s opponents Stirling Albion.

Fotheringham believes Petrie’s side can lay down an early-season marker with a win. He said: “Montrose have enjoyed a great start to the season. We are not playing great but we are grinding out results.

“I think the directors have been surprised by the start the club have had. They are definitely not used to seeing Montrose in such lofty positions.

“It has been a long while since Montrose ANNAN have three racing to be fit. Stenny are at full strength.

Berwick’s Darren Lavery and Chris McDonald are out. Shane Sutherland and Ali Sutherland.

Clyde miss David Gormley, Matty Flynn and Scott Ferguson. Edinburgh City’s Zak Karadachki is still out.

Cowdenbeath’s Jamie Pyper is out while Peterhead have nine players struggling.

Montrose have Michael Bolochoweckyj and Danny Cavanagh out. Stirling add fit-again Sean Dickson. have been in the top two in the league table.”

The Binos are looking to bounce back from the home loss against Clyde.

Striker Peter MacDonald said: “The aim is to get right back on track after last week’s defeat.”