Reid insists win over Raith is vital to put his men back in the SPL promotion race

Nov 24 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

ACCIES gaffer Billy Reid this week urged his side to go on a winning run to get themselves back in the SPL promotion race.

The New Douglas Park side – the early favourites for the first division title – are 10 points behind leaders Ross County with 13 games played.

Reid said it is vital that his troops pick up all three points against struggling Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park on Saturday.

He told Sports Advertiser: “It’s not just about a win against second from bottom of the table Raith Rovers on Saturday.

“We need to start winning the next two or three games and that has got to be our aim.

“The most difficult thing for a manager is finding consistency in a team, as players performances are up and down.”

Hamilton and Raith shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw when they last met earlier this season at New Douglas Park on Saturday, September 17.

On the day, Accies showed great team spirit to fight back from 2-0 down to snatch the draw, thanks to second-half goals from Derek Lyle and Greig Spence.

Accies, who are currently in fourth place with 18 points, have shown mixed league form since that game, winning three and losing four matches.

In those seven games, two of the wins came away from home against Morton and Dundee.

But during this time they have lost 1-0 on the road to both Ross County and Livingston.

Raith have been in poor form since the 2-2 draw in Lanarkshire.

They have slumped to second bottom of the table with 12 points after one win, one draw and five defeats in their last seven league matches.

Reid said that despite their current league position, Raith Rovers will provide tough opposition on Saturday.

“They scored two goals at New Douglas Park earlier this season, and their front two of Brian Graham and John Baird will be the big dangers,” he added

“I stand by what I said about our performance against Livingston – it was not acceptable.

“I am open minded about who plays in the team on Saturday.

“We have had a good two-week training in preparation of the match.”

Accies have been drawn away to SPL side St Mirren in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on January 7.

Reid said he is looking forward to the clash against the Buddies.

“St Mirren have a good surface, they like to play football and that will suit us,” he added.

“St Mirren are doing well in the SPL and they have changed their style of play this season.

“Everyone at the club will be up for this match.

“We know them well, having played them in the SPL over the last few years.”