The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Clash with title rivals will decide nothing, says Rovers boss
Title race goes on whatever the outcome
Raith boss Barry Smith is fully aware of the importance of Saturday’s top-of-thetable clash with Ayr United.
However, the manager is also convinced that no matter the result at the final whistle, the League 1 title race will still be wide open.
Rovers currently sit in pole position, one point in front of the Honest Men but with two games in hand.
The Kirkcaldy outfit have a perfect 10 wins out of 10 at home in the league so far with Smith, who was named Ladbrokes League 1 manager of the month for December on Tuesday, determined that proud record will continue on Saturday.
He said: “I think it is important we go all out to get three points.
“Saturday is a good game to win but nothing will be decided.
“The boys have worked really hard to get to this position and we want to continue the good home record we have as well.
“It is a collective thing. If you include the fans and the players, they are all working together to get results.
“The fans are appreciating the results we are getting and the players appreciate the support they receive from the stands. When you combine the two, you see a team playing with confidence and getting results.
“We just have to make sure we are fully focused on Saturday and don’t let all the hard work go to waste.
“They have put a lot in up until now and we want to continue winning.”
While appreciative of the loyal backing the players receive at Stark’s, Smith is hoping a few more of the Raith faithful can be persuaded to come out to support the team in this vital encounter.
He said: “The fans who have been coming week in, week out have been excellent.
“They really get behind the team but if we had bigger numbers, then they really could have an influence on the game.
“We would like more through the gates to give us that added bit to go and take three points.”
Raith have barely made any changes to their starting line-up in recent weeks with Smith believing that the club are benefiting from consistency of selection, even if it does put extra strain on the players winning the nod.
He said: “We are in a good position but there is still a lot of hard work to go.
“All credit to the players who have worked hard to get us where we are.
“The festive period is always a tough one but they have really looked after themselves and got good results over a difficult period with some hard games.
“It is good that we are getting consistency in team selection.
“But it is also asking a lot of the lads who are playing week in, week out.
“When you are winning, you don’t really like making too many changes.
“So they have done well to get us into the position we are in.
“I just think that, collectively, they are going into games confident and when that happens, you get results.”
Another reason for the consistency in team selection has been a lack of options with several players out injured but Smith admitted there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. He added: “We have no new injuries.
“Bobby Barr and Kevin McHattie will probably be in full training by the end of the week.
“Kyle Benedictus has really stepped things up in the last couple of days and has had a wee kick of the ball, although still not involved in training.
“But he is coming back strong.”