Albion Rovers’ winger Ben Reilly says the players are only focusing on their football – despite the risk of Clyde and an SFA appeal playing a major part in the League Two relegation scrap.
The SFA will hear from the Bully Wee chiefs tomorrow as they look to overturn and SPFL sanction for fielding an ineligible player.
Following the appearance of Declan Fitzpatrick during games in February, both Rovers and Queen’s Park were handed 3-0 victories.
In the clash against Rovers at Broadwood Stadium Fitzpatrick crossed the ball for Mark Lamont to score the only goal of the game in the 1-0, before the scoreline was overturned.
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Having had their season revitalised by the points – sparking a three game winning run – the Coatbridge club now effectively face a points deduction if the SFA back the Cumbernauld side.
Reily says they are not looking to the offices of Hampden to keep them away from the relegation play-off spot, but to a shock win over top of the table Peterhead this Saturday.
The 21-year-old told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “When we got the Clyde points it gave us a bit of a lift.
“We always had a belief that it was going to happen and that we were going to get the results, but that was huge boost going into the Striling game. To be honest the boys want to make sure we do it on the park.
“Kevin has a style of play that he wants to stick to. It took a while to get it right, after the Clyde points and the Stirling win we have felt unbeatable at times.
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“We’ve not really thought about an appeal. It’s not something we can have a say in so we just want to look after ourselves on this tough run of games.
“We are just focused on playing well and picking up the points we need. There is a lot more business for us to take care of and we have to keep up a positive mindset.
“There is a lot of massive games for us from now until the end of the season that we need to look at.
”We probably should have taken something off of Peterhead in January so that gives us confidence.”
Albion Rovers chairman Eddie Hagerty described the pending meeting as a “bit of a worry” as it would dramatically change the look of League Two. However, he was confident that it would be a positive outcome for the Coatbridge outfit.
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“If they were to reverse the decision it would cause real complications for a lot of clubs,” said Mr Hagerty. “The knock-on effect at both ends of the table would be huge.
“It’s a slight concern as you never know what can happen, but it’s out of our hands.”
Boss Kevin Harper added: “I just don’t see how there is any way to reverse it.
“Last year we were thrown out of the IRN-BRU Cup for fielding an ineligible player so for me I can’t see why there would be a successful appeal.
“They have admitted the mistake so should just move on.”
