Ayr Utd. vs Alloa preview - Ayr sweating on Marenghi

Posted Saturday, December 29, 2012 by PA

Ayr United have a major doubt over the fitness of midfielder Anthony Marenghi with player/manager Mark Roberts determined that his side come out fighting against visitors Alloa to silence talk of a relegation struggle after a slip into eighth place.

Long-term injury victims Martyn Campbell and Michael McGowan remain sidelined.

Roberts said: "We are looking to get up the table as soon as possible. We will do that by getting the players playing to the top of their game and getting the wins we need to turn things around.

"I am embarrassed about where we are and the players are embarrassed over where we are. I also know that the fans are disappointed but hopefully we can start putting that right by defeating Alloa."

Alloa have five players missing, with Graeme Holmes heading the list of absentees through suspension.

Mark Docherty is missing due to a virus, Michael Doyle is out with a thigh injury, skipper Darren Young dropped out of training on Thursday with a hamstring problem and Martin Grehan's calf complaint keeps him sidelined.

Manager Paul Hartley is telling the players that come in that they have the chance to shine in a tough atmosphere.

He said: "This will be a really tough game as they are going to be coming out all guns blazing.

"The players that come in will need to handle that and if they do I will have some nice problems to solve when everyone is fit again."