News /Game News
Raith Rovers | Match Preview | 05/03/22
Saturday 5th March, 3pm
Today, The Honest Men travel east to face Raith Rovers as we move into the final quarter of the cinch Championship season. As Raith look to maintain their promotion playoff hopes, United are setting their sights on a win which would aid towards their bid to settle any relegation nerves.
Following two away wins at Kilmarnock and Inverness, Ayr were sent crashing back down to earth following a 1-0 defeat at home to Queen of the South last weekend. A win last week would have moved United 12 points clear of bottom placed Queens, however, Aidan Fitzpatrick’s first half strike cut the gap to just six points and pulled Lee Bullen’s men back into the relegation dogfight. Despite a recent upturn in fortunes for Ayr, they are without a clean sheet since the 8th of January and this is something gaffer, Bullen is keen to address.
Opposition
Rover’s head into the game without a win in ten league games, stretching back to a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock in December. However, John McGlynn’s side booked their place in the SPFL Trust Trophy Final on Wednesday night after coming from a goal down to sink Kilmarnock and earn a morale boosting victory. Dario Zanatta has scored 8 of Rovers 34 goals this season – 2 of which have come against Ayr.
Team News
Michael Hewitt remains out.
The Manager Says:
Head to Head
Ayr United wins - 60
Draws - 49
Raith Rovers Wins – 59
United haven’t won at Starks Park since 2011 when they won 1-0 thanks to a Brian Graham own goal. In their previous meetings this season, Rovers have won twice whilst United claimed an excellent 2-0 boxing day victory. All three games between the sides last season ended a draw and Lee Bullen will be hoping to put another “hoodoo” being United.
Last Meeting: In the last meeting between the two sides, United claimed a precious boxing day victory. Goals from Tomi Adeloye and Mark McKenzie sealed all three points for United under the leadership of Davie White following the departure of Jim Duffy.
Ayr lined up: McAdams, Houston, Baird, McGinty, Reading McKenzie (Ecrepont 92’), Murdoch, Chalmers, Maxwell, Bradley (Moffat 81’), Adeloye (Afolabi 85')
Match Officials
Referee – Don Robertson
Assistant Referee – Ralph Gordon
Assistant Referee – Ross Nelson
Live Coverage
Admission Details: Tickets are available: HTTPS://EMBED.FUTURETICKETING.IE/C/RAITH-ROVERS/
Ticket prices:
Adult - £20
Over 65 - £13
Under 21 - £12
Under 16 - £8
Under 12 - £5
Live Streaming: The match is available to livestream for £14: https://www.raith.tv/
“Last week was a disappointing result but Saturday is an opportunity to put things right. Raith are a very good footballing side but we know on our day we can match anyone. We are fully aware of their strengths but we have had a great week of training and it should bode for a decent game this weekend. It’s a good surface up at Starks Park and we’re really looking forward to the game.”
Have a listen to what gaffer, Lee Bullen and goalkeeper, Aidan McAdams have to say ahead of Saturday’s trip to Inverness: https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/black-white-tv