Set-pieces singled out by Weir and Smith

FORFAR V RAITH: Much at stake for both sides in tonight’s clash at Station Park

With games running out and his team in the relegation play-off position, Forfar boss Jim Weir is targeting points in their next two games even though they are against the best sides in the division.

Raith Rovers visit Station Park tonight, with Ayr United coming to Angus at the weekend.

“They are obviously going to be two very tough matches but we’re not in a position where we can say points from these matches are a bonus,” said Weir.

“We’ve taken points from both those teams and will be aiming to do that again.

“These are two massive games for us.” The priority for Weir is sorting out basic problems from set-pieces that again cost them in Saturday’s derby at Gayfield.

“There was nothing in the game until we were punished by our old achilles heel,” he said.

“We’ve got to do better in these situations. I can understand if somebody like Kevin James back in the day was getting above you in the box; we’ve all lost headers as players.

“But we can’t be having players standing on their own in the box.

“If we defend better we’ll give ourselves a chance and, fingers crossed, we’ll get a bit of luck in their box.”

Eddie Malone is suspended and Mark Millar is unlikely to return from injury, though he could be back on Saturday.

Raith manager Barry Smith is looking for his table-topping players to come roaring back from Saturday’s 3-0 defeat from closest challengers Ayr.

The Kirkcaldy side’s advantage is down to one point, and they have played one game more than the Honest Men.

Smith is looking for his men to open up a four-point gap before Ayr visit Arbroath tomorrow.

The Stark’s Park boss said: “It is good to have a game as quickly as we want to move on from Saturday.

“There is no hiding from the fact that it was a poor performance and we need to do better than we did, especially defensively at set-pieces.

“I have the belief in the squad that we can do that.

“It will not be easy at Forfar as they will be hurting after losing to Arbroath at the weekend.

“The three games between us so far this season have been tight. They have improved under Jim Weir, who has brought in players who have done well for him.

“Station Park is always a tough venue. “However, we should go there looking to get back to winning ways.

“There are eight games left and things are still very much in our hands.

“I am looking for a massive reaction from the players after the weekend.”

We’re not in a position where we can say points from these matches are a bonus. JIM WEIR