Published: Wednesday, 26th March, 2008 12:00
Wasps need win to stay in play-offs place
By John Simpson
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Wasps boss Allan Maitland wants three points against Ayr United this Saturday to keep the side on track for the play-offs.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe
AFTER drawing against Queen’s Park on Saturday when a victory would have moved them to within three points of Raith Rovers, Alloa now realise the importance of finishing teams off when they have the opportunity.
Still sitting fourth, the Wasps now take on Ayr United this weekend when a victory would be just the lift they need to strengthen their resolve for that elusive position in the play-offs.
Their manager Allan maitland is well aware that, with five games remaining to complete the season, his players must beware of any slip-ups in the run-in.
After watching his boys perform at Hampden to a lesser degree than he would have wanted, he said, “With our list of injuries recently we have been placing more significance on the players we have available.
“We didn’t play well against Queen’s Park especially in defence where Chris Townsley was the only one to clear properly.”
He added, “Our performance was lack-lustre and when we did get ourselves into a good position, we seemed to choose the wrong option and did not pass the ball well either. Their goalkeeper Andy Cowie must have felt cold at the end after he had so little to do.
“The only good thing I felt, was Scott Agnew’s free-kicks which were at times exceptional. We didn’t really create anything but, looking back, I suppose it was a poiint gained which means we are still in fourth position.”
Gardner Speirs the QP manager said, “We played well in the first half then ran with the ball too much in the second.
“We had opportunities to score again but sometimes took the wrong options. We left ourselves open at the back and didn’t force their goalkeper into any saves.
“But Alloa are a well organised side who are now pushing for a play-off place so a point wasn’t too bad for us.”
Graeme Brown the Alloa striker is in some doubt as to whether he will be fit for the Ayr match. He said, “I want to see how my hamstrig feels at Tuesday and Thursday’s training.
“I did a wee bit prior to our Peterhead game but within a second I felt a twinge. I want to satisfy the gaffer, physio Vanessa and myself that I am ready.
“I don’t want to rush back but I do want to get two or three games in before the play-off stages. Whatever the season brings, I want to be part of it.”
Dougie Wilson, who has an ankle injury told us this week, “I have been running but no ball work. I won’t be fit for Saturday but I hope to make the Cowdnbeath game.” Andy Ferguson and Derek Fleming are possibles for the Ayr game.
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