Raith Rovers vs Airdrie United Match Preview
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Airdrie United travel to Kirkcaldy tonight for the first leg of the play-off semi final in a match which could quite literally shape the future of the Diamonds. This evening is a time to forget the disappointments of the season and any moans and groans you have about any aspect of the club and get right behind the team as we bid to secure our place in what looks like being a very tasty First Division next season.
Whether or not you have backed the team by turning up this season (and you should have if you are serious about wanting a club to support), everyone must unite behind the playoff effort. We do face four very difficult matches, but we have a squad capable of winning so we must back the team to the hilt to give them every possible chance of succeeding.
Tonight, manager Kenny Black has an almost full squad to choose from with only Steven McDougall unavailable for selection. Things seem to be coming together at the right time both in terms of key personel like Graeme Holmes returning to fitness and we have hit a good bit of form in recent weeks and are arguably the form team out of the four playoff contenders.
Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Ayr United gave us a glimpse of the future but the kids will be back in the stands tonight as our experienced players return to the starting XI.
The team almost picks itself, given our recent form with only one potential change I can see. If Steven McKenna is fit it would not surprise me to see him return to the heart of our defence alongside Bobby Donnelly with Mark Smyth moving to right back and Darren Smith dropping to the bench. McKenna has been missing for several weeks now with a knee injury, but reading between the lines I’ve felt he was being protected for the playoffs so wouldn’t be surprised to see him tonight.
In midfield, Graeme Holmes and Kevin McDonald will continue their increasingly impressive partnership with Stuart Noble and the improving Marco Andreoni on the wings. Top scorer Allan Russell will regain possession of the number 9 jersey alongside Bryan Prunty.
At left back, Kenny is likely to favour the experience of Paul Lovering ahead of Ricky Waddell, although he did give an impressive performance against Ayr on Saturday.
In terms of our approach to the game, I believe that attack is the best form of defence for us. It’s a little annoying that away goals don’t count which may lead us to be a bit more cautious than normal, but from what I have seen of Raith this season they are a shambles defensively - and that was with Marvin Andrews who was by far and away their standout player. Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at home to Peterhead suggests they haven’t got much better without him.
Up front though, they do have players - most notably David Goodwillie - who can, and have caused us problems this season. Of particular worry to us must be our inability to hold onto a lead, having twice led away to Raith and Ross County this season and not converted any of them into victories.
However, past form is insignificant when it comes to the crunch and much like when Queen of the South face Rangers in the Cup Final, anything can happen in a match of this importance.
The challenge is on the players to hold their nerve - there IS a lot of pressure on these guys. Rest assured, the players will give it 100% tonight, not least because they are playing for contracts but professional pride dictates they will. Think about any game of football you’ve played in Sunday league - everyone wants to win. To help the players overcome the pressure, any negative thoughts must be put on hold - we have to get behind the team. If we do that, I’m confident we can win.
It’s been a long season in places but ultimately, the majority of supporting ANY football club is tough. That’s what makes big games like tonight all the more special. I for one am really looking forward to this game and I urge as many fans as possible to get along and back the team tonight.
Match Prediction: Raith Rovers 1 - 2 Airdrie United
(check the Ayr Match Prediction - hopefully I know my stuff!)
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