Second Division: Ayr hoping to maintain the edge over Raith

Published on Tuesday 17 March 2009 23:01

AYR United will be aiming to maintain the initiative in the title race when they visit New Bayview to face play-off-chasing East Fife tonight.

This acts as a game in hand for Ayr over nearest challengers Raith Rovers, and manager Brian Reid is desperate to ensure they make it count at a venue where they lost 3-0 back in September.

"There is still nine games to go and we are in a good position now," he said. "A victory at New Bayview would be a great way to keep us at the top."

East Fife are eager to keep their play-off challenge alive after their defeat to Peterhead on Saturday dented their hopes.

Manager Dave Baikie said: "The weekend results went against us with Brechin winning and our defeat at Peterhead. We will stick to our task and another home win against Ayr United would be very welcome."

Baikie may look to include defender Goran Stanic in his starting line up and Paul McManus, who scored twice in September's triumph, is now fully recovered from the tooth abscess that was giving him discomfort during the Peterhead game. The experienced Stevie Crawford remains a doubt with an ankle knock.

Ayr defender Willie Easton remains a doubt after missing the crucial win at Raith on Saturday, with Reid tempted to give David Gormley, who scored the only goal against the Kirkcaldy side, a start.