Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 1:45pm

First blood to the Pars in derby double header

Calum Woods hopes to be available for Saturday's trip to Kirkcaldy. Photo: George Mcluskie

THE PARS are aiming to complete a great derby double over Fife rivals Raith Rovers in the space of just five days to push themselves right back into the league race.

Athletic have high hopes of following up Tuesday's 2-1 home win over the Kirkcaldy side with a repeat of the victory they savoured at Starks Park earlier this season.

Their recent run of four wins out of five in the league has carried the Pars from mid-table to third, behind Inverness and Dundee.

Inconsistency has blighted the Pars' campaign but another win on Saturday would firm up the belief of the fans that the momentum will build pressure on long-time leaders Dundee.

Pars manager Jim McIntyre is delighted with the spirit being shown by his side as they go into the business end of the season.

He said after Tuesday's win, "We were under the cosh, we've lost a man so early.

"I'm so proud of the players, they gave us everything they had and still managed to score a great quality goal and could have had a third with (Graeme) Holmes' chance as well."

The Pars had to win the points the hard way after Steven Bell was shown the red card for a wild tackle on Gregory Tade and the manager had no misgivings about the decision.

He said, "Okay he's played the ball but with the laws of the game now, you can't leave the ground so I've no complaints.

"I'm not really wanting to talk about the decisions.

"As far as I could see it was a sending off for our player. I'm just delighted and want to talk about the football."

He said of the winner, "I thought it was a quality goal.

"We were down to 10 men at that stage and we told them not to be panicking and just lump the ball.

"Try to keep passing it and you'll get your opportunity.

"We stayed brave. We kept the two up front because we felt it was important to make sure the ball wasn't going back all the time."

Despite the good form, McIntyre is keeping a level head for the run-in and is making no rash predictions.

"We've put a wee run together but we're not get carried away," he said.

"In this league as soon as you start to get any sights above yourself it's got a habit of kicking you in the teeth.

"Raith are a good side. They created good opportunities tonight and we rode our luck at times.

"We had the keeper to thank for a couple of good saves, timely blocks and one or two they maybe feel they should have scored but I can only applaud my players."

Meanwhile, the manager is confident Calum Woods will win his appeal against the sending off against Queen of the South.

A decision is expected tomorrow and McIntyre predicted, "He'll be fine" for Saturday's match.

Looking ahead to the trip to Kirkcaldy he commented, "Another tough game.

"You could see they're a good side. They've done fantastically well and the cup run proves what a good side they are."

Ticket prices for Saturday's game at Raith are adults £16, juniors/pensioners (under-16s and over 60s) £8, parent and child £19, students £12 and jobseekers £8.

The disabled are admitted at half price with their carer free of charge at the disabled gate.

Tickets can be bought from the ticket office, which opens an hour before kick off, next to the Main Stand.