East Fife Mail

EAST Fife boss Dave Baikie says he's "pretty positive" a deal can be done to bring on-loan Dundee hitman Craig O'Reilly to Bayview.
EAST Fife boss Dave Baikie says he's "pretty positive" a deal can be done to bring on-loan Dundee hitman Craig O'Reilly to Bayview.
The manager was talking before the first leg tonight (Wednesday) of the Second Division play-off match against Stranraer at Methil - a game he and assistant boss Graeme Irons say the side is more than ready for.
Irons said: "We rested seven players on Saturday and the boys that have come in gave us a bit of a headache by performing so well.
"I thought Paul Ritchie did well, as did Paul Hampshire, who had a good game.
"But we weren't surprised by how well the team played - we know the quality we have throughout the whole squad."
Baikie added: "We have a reasonably large squad and we may use certain players for Wednesday's game and then change things around a bit for Saturday's game, because there are a few players getting back to fitness.
"I thought the team did well against Arbroath and it was pleasing to see Jason Dair and Jamie McGowan back."
Tonight, Gerry Britton brings Stranraer to Bayview for the first of the two legs, with the second game at Stair Park on Saturday.
Irons and Baikie both know their team is in for a tough time.
Irons said: "They have a very experienced side with some good players, so it's going to be difficult.
"But we've had someone down watching them on Saturday, so we know what their strengths and weaknesses are and we'll be going over a few things with the players to make sure we're prepared.
"The big lad Michael Moore is a threat and they also have Paul McGrillen, who's vastly experienced, plus their midfielder David Hamilton has scored around 15 goals this season from midfield, so we'll have to be aware of that.
"They're on a good run at the moment as well and had a great result against Stirling on Saturday."
Baikie added: "It's going to be difficult because they're obviously fighting to stay in their league, but we'll be prepared."
Regardless of the two results, East Fife's preparations for next season's campaign have already begun with striker O'Reilly top of Baikie's shopping list.
"We've spoken with Dave MacKinnon at Dundee and asked them for a figure, so he's going to have a word with Alex Rae about that," said the manager.
"I'm pretty positive that something's going to be done, though."
Baikie declined to be drawn on rumours, however, that Raith Rovers defender Kevin Fotheringham and ex-Hibernian defender Steven Tweed could be coming to Bayview next season.
Club officials told the Mail on Monday that season tickets will not be valid for tonight's game and normal admission prices would be charged.
On Saturday, two buses, sponsored by East Fife Supporters Club and chairman Willie Gray, will be heading west in the morning for Stranraer.
EFSC said to be "part of this vital support", fans could book their seats at tonight's home game.
Anyone interested should see Brian Robertson pr Dave Marshall, or phone either on 01333 309265 or 01333 351486.
Last Updated: 02 May 2007