Smith refuses to let Raith become too complacent

Raith may have title glory tantalisingly within their grasp but Stark’s Park boss Barry Smith has tried to ensure it has been business as usual in the build-up to Saturday’s huge game against Alloa.

A win for Rovers against the Wasps will take them back up to the Championship at the first time of asking no matter what season-long title rivals Ayr do against Albion Rovers at Somerset Park.

With Alloa possibly having one eye on their promotion play-off games which start next week, the Kirkcaldy club’s fans may already have the Champagne on ice but Smith – who spent 14 months in charge of the Wasps before resigning in March 2015 – was keen to stress that he and his players will be taking absolutely nothing for granted against Jim Goodwin’s side.

The manager said: “We have tried to prepare as we normally would.

“The players fully understand it is a big game but that doesn’t mean we have to change anything.”

Smith added: “We will keep the preparation the same and ensure we are ready for Saturday.

“We said a few weeks ago that we had to win the next three games.

“We have won two out of the three and we have the last one coming on Saturday.

“The picture has changed in terms of where we are but the end goal remains the same – we need those three points.

“There has always been a belief in the dressing-room.”

Raith are unbeaten at home in the league this season but, while proud of that record, Smith admits it will mean little on Saturday unless his side work hard and remain patient.

He added: “Everyone wants to win the league, whether it is us or Ayr, at the earliest possible opportunity.

“But we have that chance in the last game of the season and it is one we must take.

“The boys have been excellent all season but particularly at home.

“We have a great record but that has come about because of how hard we work in games and, at times, being patient.

“It is not a case of turning up because we have a good record and just expecting to win. We need to work hard to make sure we win.”

Smith admitted it is important his players focus on the immediate task at hand and not the wider implications of taking all three points.

He said: “We know Alloa are a good team and it will be a very tough game on Saturday.

“That’s why we have to focus properly on getting three points and forget about everything else around about it.

“We also ask the fans to come along, support the boys and be patient with them.

“It is not a case of us turning up and the trophy is won.

“Alloa are a good team and we will have to be patient but if the fans stick with us, then it will give the lads confidence to help get the result we want.

“Their backing has been good throughout the season and we just need that to continue.

“We set out at the start of the season to get promoted and we are in a position to do that.

“We are one game away but we need to win it to achieve that goal of winning the league.”

Rovers have a full squad available with the exception of injured goalie Aaron Lennox.