Two down, one to go as Raith target perfect end to the season

Raith Rovers manager Barry Smith has asked his players to complete the job they started a fortnight ago and win the Ladbrokes League 1 title by defeating Alloa Athletic at Stark’s Park today.

The Kirkcaldy side trailed Ayr earlier this month by five points and Smith gave his players a simple task to perform to have any chance of being the champions.

“Things looked bleak so we set the players the target of winning our final three games and seeing where we were,” explained the Rovers boss. “They have won two and one more would give us the title, but we recognise that Alloa will want to finish as high up the table as possible. “We are going to have to play well as only nine points from nine makes things definite.”

Ayr were in pole position until they fluffed their lines and lost at Alloa last week. Manager Ian Mccall has been putting an arm around the shoulders in his squad ahead of the visit of Albion Rovers and is determined that his players are in the right frame of mind should the Kirkcaldy men stumble.

Mccall, pictured, said: “Everyone was down after losing to Alloa last Sunday and I have spent a lot of time getting everyone lifted for this game.” He says Lawrence Shankland, suspended last weekend, and Craig Moore, responsible for a missed penalty at Alloa, have needed special attention.

Mccall added: “Lawrence and Craig have needed a bit more support because they have been blaming themselves. Lawrence feels bad for being sent off against Stranraer and missing two games and Craig was upset after missing his penalty.

“Lawrence is still missing but Craig and everyone else will be buzzing come kickoff time. We cannot impact on what will happen at the Raith Rovers game but we can impact ours.”

A defeat at Somerset Park could see Albion relegated if Queen’s Park defeat Arbroath. Rovers boss Brian Kerr said: “There is pressure on both sides and it will depend who handles it the best.”