Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn has paid tribute to the fans who backed his side so loudly during and after their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Dundee United.
“I have said United are possibly the best side in the country at the moment and our players can take a lot of credit for matching them for so long in the game,” said McGlynn.
“We also limited their chances which was pleasing as they have been scoring freely recently.
“We made one or two chances of our own but unfortunately the standard of our finishing was not as high as theirs.
“I thought our fans were magnificent and it was great to see so many of them at the game.
“It was a superb atmosphere and everyone stayed right to the end supporting the team — and I thought the players also fought to the end.
“I think the players really appreciated the backing — I certainly did — and it was just unfortunate we could not get the right result for them.”
With the Scottish Cup dream finally over, McGlynn’s focus has now fully turned back to his side’s bid to pull further away from the first division relegation play-off place.
Raith face a gruelling end to the season, playing eight league matches within the space of 17 days, starting on Wednesday against Airdrie.
And McGlynn admitted he would have to manage his players carefully for the task that lies ahead.Resting”Rest is vitally important at this stage of the season,” he said.
“All the training is done and it is simply a case of making sure the players are resting up properly.
“We have a gruelling set of matches coming up, beginning with Airdrie.
“Despite their league position, most people agree they are a good side and that’s why our games with them have been so close this season.
“I am sure they will keep fighting to the end in the hope of catching second-bottom Ayr.
“Airdrie have a match tonight at home to Queen of the South. If they win that, they will be looking to beat us to take them right back up there alongside Ayr.
“However, we are also fighting for points and I still believe that another six will make us safe.
“Forty points would make us hard to catch but we will be aiming to secure even more before the end of the season.”