Momentum key if play-offs occur, says Gillespie

No one at Raith has given up on the title race just yet but Grant Gillespie admits if the worstcase scenario comes to pass, then the players need to be prepared to secure promotion through the play-offs, writes Neil Robertson.

Rovers fell 13 points behind League 1 pace-setters Arbroath last weekend with the Kirkcaldy side losing 3-2 at Montrose while the Red Lichties were winning by the same scoreline at Forfar.

With more than half of the season left, Gillespie admits nothing has been decided just yet but he has experience of going up through the play-off route with Hamilton when they beat Hibs in 2014 after being pipped for automatic promotion by Dundee.

And he knows it is vitally important that Rovers build up a head of steam between now and May.

The 27-year-old said: “I have experience of the play-offs with Dundee United last year and previously with Hamilton.

“We had that game at the end of the season at Accies when we won 10-2 against Morton but Dundee won 2-1 at the same time and clinched the league title.

“But we still had loads of momentum going into the playoffs and it served us well.

“So if it is the worst-case scenario and we have to go into the play-offs then it is important you have that momentum and the confidence you can beat anybody.

“You can look at the gap between ourselves and Arbroath at the moment but anything football.

“We just have to play with a freedom and belief and not get disheartened if things don’t go our way.

“We have to believe we can achieve what want to achieve.”

Gillespie and the rest of the Rovers players are determined to bounce back strongly from last week’s defeat when they play Dumbarton at home today.

Raith’s home form has been superb for months but they have suffered from travel sickness this season.

Gillespie said: “Last week was bitterly disappointing.

“We are back at Stark’s now and it is vitally important that we take advantage of our home form.

“But we have to start picking up more points away from home.

“We have to be more resilient and perhaps streetwise to manage the game a bit more.

“It is something we have looked at and will be looking to do in the future.

“It starts on Saturday – whether we are home or away we have to win and put a good run together.

“Our main focus is just on week by week. Our sole focus is on Dumbarton at the weekend.

“Obviously you do look at other results and it is important if Arbroath are going to slip up then we need to be right there behind them to take advantage.

“So we will just go out each week trying to get three points and clawing that gap back.” can happen in