Raith Rovers striker MacLean happy to be top of the table

Steven MacLean celebrates scoring against Falkirk (All pics: Fife Photo Agency) | walter_ neilson

Steven MacLean says Raith Rovers met their objective of staying top of the league going into this weekend - but warned the title race is far from over.

The on loan Hearts striker opened the scoring in Tuesday night’s home 1-1 draw with second placed Falkirk.

Although disappointed not to take all three points, Raith remaining top of League One was adequate compensation.

MacLean said: “We wanted to win the game and create a bit of a gap, but first and foremost you don’t want to get beaten, so we didn’t and we still have that point of a difference.

MacLean lifts the ball over Falkirk's Robbie Mutch to score. | walter_ neilson

“It’s up to us now. There are nine games left to go and we’ll try to win them all.

“If it takes going to the last game of the season then it takes that, but we’ll just take every game as it comes.

“I think in the first half we probably had the better of the possession, but there weren’t too many chances created.

“In the second half we started really well. We got the lead but then they threw everything at us.

MacLean battles for the ball. | walter_ neilson

“They brought big Lee Miller on and went very direct. That’s what they do. They had a lot of set plays and put balls into our box which we needed to defend.

“I thought that was the only way they would score because we were controlling it possession-wise.

“We had a few chances ourselves. I hit the post and ‘Bene’ hit the crossbar.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t win but we’ll take the point and move on.

“We’ll now concentrate on Forfar on Saturday and make sure we get three points there.”

With just five points separating the top four sides in League One, MacLean reckons the title run in is going to be an exciting one for players and fans alike, as Rovers get ready to play host to Forfar.

“It’s good for the fans and it’s good for the league,” said MacLean.

“It’s going to be interesting and a good end to the season.

“There will be twists and turns but we’ve just got to look after ourselves and hopefully we can get over the line.

“Our fans were excellent again. They really got behind us. We didn’t get the three points but they turned out in their numbers so hopefully they can do that again on Saturday and we can send them home happy with three points.”