Raith Rovers striker Gregory Tade believes his side need to take a leaf out of the Barcelona manual on mental toughness if they want to fulfil their SPL dream.
The latest chapter in this season’s rollercoaster first division championship race was played out on Tuesday night, with league leaders Raith snatching a late winner against Cowdenbeath.
At the same time their local rivals and nearest challengers Dunfermline were held to a draw by bottom-placed Stirling Albion, who played the entire second half with just 10 men.
Rovers took the lead against the Blue Brazil thanks to a cool Tade finish, but nerves were jangling at Stark’s Park after Greig Stewart equalised.
It looked like John McGlynn’s side would drop further points after being beaten by Partick Thistle last weekend, but they secured a vital victory thanks to a John Baird headed goal.
Now, with nine games remaining in Raith’s league campaign, popular Frenchman Tade is hoping he and his team-mates can adopt the winning mentality of true champions.
“It is always good to win, especially when you score a goal late in the game as we did against Cowdenbeath,” he said.
“We kept attacking and, at the end, we got our just reward.
“Their goalie played well, but no keeper is unbeatable. He had a really good game, but I always felt we were capable of squeezing one past him.
“Dunfermline only drew, so it could be a big result for us.
“But two weeks ago we won and were six points clear, then we lost last Saturday. There are nine games left and, I have said it before, there is a long, long way to go.
“It does not matter what other teams do. We are not looking for any favours. We simply need to continue winning games and take care of ourselves.
“In this league, it could all go to the last game I really believe so.
“I think it will all come down to who can hold their nerve and handle the pressure at the top of the table.
“That is the main concern for a team at the top of the league.
“Big teams like Barcelona and Manchester United do it every week and hold their nerve, and that’s why they win everything year in, year out.
“Celtic and Rangers are the same, but can we do it?
“The team who can keep that winning mentality week in, week out is going to win the league.”