It’ll be no holds Barr as we chase spot in semis

BOBBY BARR insists Raith won’t keep anything in reserve ahead of their Irn-Bru Cup clash at Dumbarton today.

The Rovers midfielder knows League One duty beckons with a table-topping clash against Ayr on Tuesday – but first up is booking a semi-final spot.

Barr, 29, said: “Despite being involved in league title-winning teams, I’ve never played in a cup final and that’s something we’d all love to experience at Raith.

“This is the chance to take another step towards that, so there’s no way we’ll approach this match with one eye on the Ayr game. All our focus is on facing a good Dumbarton side who have been holding their own in the Championship.

“It’s a huge game for us. Everyone wants to be involved and we’ll need to continue the form we’ve showed in recent months if we’re to get through.

“One defeat in our last 16 games is a record we are proud of so we are determined to maintain that momentum. Any suggestion we’ll be shuffling things about ahead of the game against Ayr is nonsense.

“Last weekend’s derby win over East Fife was another hard fought result and we may need to show those qualities against Dumbarton.”

Sons boss Stevie Aitken admits they’re facing one of the most consistent teams in the country. He said: “Raith have been excellent under Barry Smith. Their recent form is up there with anyone in the SPFL.

“They’re a side who have been scoring plenty of goals and have attacking threats from midfield to front so we will need to be on our guard.”