Top-of-table clash not decisive says Smith Saints on red alert against old boys

Leaders St Mirren must be wary of former friends at Dumbarton this afternoon.

Assistant manager James Fowler said: “Dumbarton have a solid core of players that used to play in black and white. They will enjoy a chance of putting one over a former employer. We ha ve to guard against that happening for a second time this season.

“Tom Walsh, Scott Gallacher, Stuart Carswell, Kyle Hut- ton and Callum Gallagher will be out to show our fans what they are missing.”

Dunfermline seek a first win over Dundee United since 2011. Manager Allan Johnston said: “We’ve built momentum by winning three consecutive games so this is an opportunity to defeat them.”

Queen of the South go to Inverness with a patchedup squad. Said manager Gary Naysmith: “We are five men down. If we get at least a point, a week after winning at Livingston with a depleted squad, it would be good going.” Morton manager Jim Duffy was not surprised to see opponents Falkirk go down 4-1 to Inverness only three days after hammering Dundee United 6-1. He said: “You can never predict a result in the Championship, it is too competitive.”

Brechin City may be winless but manager Darren Dods wants more of the spirit shown in last week’s 1-1 draw with Morton against visitors Livingston .Hesaid: “The players defended for their lives. That is the positive spirit we need.” Raith Rovers will aim for home win number 11 against second-placed Ayr United but manager Barry Smith does not believe the game will be definitive in the title chase.

In the past month the Kirkcaldy men have turned an eight-point deficit into a onepoint lead with two games in hand. Said Smith: “This would be a great game to win but it will not decide who will win the league. It will, however, determine who has the greater momentum.”

Raith are without striker Dario Zanatta after he was recalled by Hearts. Smith added: “I thought I was getting a player from the Championship that would replace him but that deal fell through. We will go with what we have.”

Ayr boss Ian Mccall has signed Scotland under-21 goalkeeper Jack Ruddy on loan from Wolvesbut has five regulars out with injury. He said: “It is a horrendous list but we will just get on with things. We played really well there back in September and should not have lost so we can be confident.”

As East Fife host thirdplaced Alloa,managerdarren Young said: “We looked solid defensively against Airdrie last weekend. Now we need to be stronger going forward.”

Arbroath host Queen’s Park with boss Dick Campbell saying: “Our home record has not been great and we want to change that.”

Airdrie play for the first time under new owners at Stranraer while bottom club Forfar host Albion Rovers.