Forget about the derby…for now. That is the blunt message from Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn as he aims to plot a route to promotion for the Kirkcaldy men.
Raith may have had to salvage a point in the 89th minute against a battling Cowdenbeath team on Saturday to move within a point of leaders Dunfermline, but their fate remains in their own hands.
If they win their remaining four matches, they will be an SPL team next season.
Looming large on the horizon is the Fife derby at East End Park on April 23 but before then they travel to play relegated Stirling Albion this Saturday.
McGlynn has urged everyone at the club to put all thoughts of the Pars match to one side until after the trip to Forthbank.
He said, “There is absolutely no doubt that we will be looking no further ahead than the Stirling game.
“Every single game and every single point is crucial at this stage of the season so we can’t afford to think about Dunfermline yet. The pressure will be off Stirling because they are already relegated and really have nothing to lose.
“Their players will relish having a chance to have a say on how things turn out at the top of the table.
“Also, I know their manager Jocky Scott and his assistant John Blackley and they are both proud men who will be looking to pick up as many points as possible in their remaining games. They can put a spanner in the spokes.
“However, rest assured my players will know all that going into Saturday’s game. We will be ready and motivated and we will try to make the match all about us and what we do.”
Raith central defender Mark Campbell picked up a knock during the Cowden match but the injury is not serious.
Rovers’ four remaining games are against Stirling (away), Dunfermline (away), Queen of the South (home) and Partick Thistle (away).
The Pars play Queen of the South (home), Raith (home), Morton (away) then Falkirk (home).