East Fife vs Ayr Utd. preview - Hughes set for East Fife bow

Posted Friday, October 11, 2013 by PA

East Fife, who have slumped back to the foot of the League 1 table despite picking up four points from their last two games, include new signing Stephen Hughes against visitors Ayr United.

The former Rangers, Motherwell and Aberdeen midfielder has signed a short term deal and he is added to the New Bayview squad that also includes goalkeeper Michael Andrews who returns after missing the draw with Stenhousemuir last weekend after his wife gave birth.

Christian Nade is the only absentee through injury.

"We have started to look a lot tighter at the back in recent games and hopefully that will continue against Ayr," manager Willie Aitchison said.

The Honest Men's player/manager Mark Roberts has an injury and suspension-free squad to choose from as the Somerset Park side look to build on an encouraging performance in their 2-0 defeat from runaway leaders Rangers last weekend.

Roberts said: "I do not envisage making many changes if any as the boys were excellent against Rangers. They kept their shape well and we were a bit unlucky to lose against a really good side.

"If we can get the three points then it keeps us in a promotion play off place and that is a good place to be as we end the first run of games."