Raith Rovers’ Iain Williamson has pinpointed the competitive spirit within the Kirkcaldy side’s dressing-room as a key factor in their early-season surge to the top of the first division.
As they prepare to face Ross County at Stark’s Park this Saturday, Rovers are placed second in the table, just one point behind neighbours Dunfermline.
The main aim for Williamson and the rest of the Raith squad this season is the same as last first division survival.
However, they are now starting to dare to believe that if they can continue with their early impressive form, promotion to the SPL may become a distinct possibility.
“We are all delighted with the start we have made to the season,” said Williamson.
“We have picked up six wins, two draws and have only suffered one defeat in the opening quarter and have 20 points out of a possible 27.
“If we can continue with that sort of form, it should make us promotion contenders.
“Everyone at this club plays their part and there is always a real competitive edge in training.Spirit”There is a great spirit within the side which is one of the main reasons for our good opening it is vitally important to have that in the dressing-room.”
Williamson was awarded a rare starting berth in last week’s Fife derby at Cowdenbeath, having spent much of this season’s opening quarter on the substitutes’ bench.
The player admitted that has been a source of frustration for him but he acknowledged that his boss John McGlynn has a host of attacking options at his disposal and he will just have to be patient.
Gregory Tade, Graham Weir, Jamie Mole and John Baird, as well as Williamson himself, are all fighting it out for places in their manager’s forward line.
But Williamson is hoping he did enough against Cowdenbeath to persuade McGlynn that he is worthy of inclusion from the start against the Staggies today.
“It has been frustrating that I have spent so much time on the bench,” he said.
“I am like every footballer I want to play.
“But I will just have to work even harder in training and try to persuade the manager that I deserve a place in the side.Competition”There is great competition for places and a lot of players can turn out in different positions so the manager has several attacking options to choose from.
“I was given a starting place against Cowdenbeath and I am desperate to play from the first whistle against Ross County but, as always, it is up to the manager.
“Everyone at this club knows they really have to fight for a place in the side, something which I believe is another reason for our success.”
Ross County have only won twice in their opening nine games but Williamson insists Raith will not be treating Derek Adams’ side lightly.
“County have not started the season very well, but they have not suddenly become a poor team and we are all aware of just how tough they will be,” he added.
“They made it all the way to the Scottish Cup Final last season and they have most of that side still available.So, we know exactly what to expect from them.
“However, we are determined to keep the pressure on Dunfermline at the top of the table.”
Ross County wideman Ian Vigurs sits out the second game of his two-match suspension with the Dingwall side’s attacking threat further reduced with the absence of Paul Di Giacomo, through a hernia problem, and the likely non-appearance of Andrew Barrowman because of illness.
Steven Craig and Gary Wood are in line for striking positions as Derek Adams sends his men out looking for their first away win since the opening day of the league season.