Ayr vs Dunfermline preview - Ayr to check defensive duo

Posted Thursday, October 09, 2014 by PA

Ayr host Dunfermline and manager Mark Roberts will decide on his team after late fitness tests on central defenders Martyn Campbell and Peter Murphy.

The Honest Men are looking to bounce back after two consecutive defeats which saw them knocked off top spot

Roberts said: "This is a great game to have after a couple of disappointments. It is high profile because it is on the Friday night and against full-time opponents.

"As well as looking to bounce back after a below-par performance at Peterhead we know that if we win we end the first quarter level with the team many tipped to be champions."

Dunfermline are again without defender Lewis Martin. who is on Scotland Under-19 duty, with the Pars also missing the injured Ryan Thomson (groin) and Ryan Wallace (pelvis).

Andy Geggan is a doubt to face one of his former clubs.

A point would take Dunfermline to the top ahead of Forfar playing on Saturday, with manager Jim Jefferies saying: "I am sure that Ayr will come out and have a go at us. They will be keen to get going again after a couple of disappointments.

"We showed patience and resilience to get a late win at Stirling Albion last week and will need those qualities again to win at Ayr."