The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dods says pressure is off against full-timers
Brechin manager hoping to use home advantage to keep tie alive
Brechin City will be looking to turn up the pressure on play-off favourites Raith Rovers.
The Stark’s Park side are expected to see off Darren Dods’ injury-hit parttimers in the home and away semi-final but the tie is almost a free hit for Brechin, who have already had a successful season just by getting to this stage.
And “keeping the tie” alive in the home leg tonight to set up a nerveshredding return fixture in Kirkcaldy for the Championship’s second-bottom club on Saturday is the gameplan. “The pressure is off now,” said Dods. “We’re coming up against a full-time Championship team and everybody will be expecting Raith to go through.
“But the first leg is at home and we’ve got a pretty good record at Glebe Park.
“Hopefully we can keep the tie alive for the weekend.
“Obviously we’ll be trying to get the win but even a draw wouldn’t be the worst result in the world.”
Raith’s inconsistency has landed them in the play-offs but Dods certainly won’t be underestimating his opponents.
Gauging the size of the gap between the bottom of the Championship and the top of League One isn’t an exact science but Dods believes there is an in-built advantage for John Hughes’ men.
“The full-time factor is most noticeable when you have a quick turnaround from a Wednesday to a Saturday like this,” he pointed out.
“They will be able to give their players proper rest whereas our lads will be at their work on Thursday and Friday.
“Raith have shown that on their day they can turn it on and they’ve got players who were playing against Hibs in the Premiership play-offs this time last year. “But we’ll be giving it our best shot.” Gareth Rodger, Alan Trouten and Darren McCormack are all injured.
Ally Love is “touch and go” but, if he misses out tonight, could be available on Saturday.
Even a draw wouldn’t be the worst result in the world.
DARREN DODS