RARING TO GO ON DERBY DAY
3512041 SSFF raith livingstone Edward Malone sees his tpa go wide - Raith Rovers against Livingstone FC at Starks Park, Kirkcaldy
RAith Rovers are approaching Saturday’s Fife derby against Dunfermline full of confidence after pulling off a cup upset.
Rovers stunned SPL side Ross County on Tuesday night, winning 4-1 in Dingwall to reach the Scottish Communities League Cup third round.
But Raith player-boss Grant Murray, unbeaten in his seven games in charge, insists the big derby clash at East End Park will not be decided on form.
He said: “When it comes to derby games all previous results go out the window, you just have to do what’s asked of you on the day.
“The players know the task. East End Park is a difficult place to go, but we’re all looking forward to it.”
System
Murray is almost certain to start with the same 4-3-3 system that caused County all kinds of problems on Tuesday night.
“We had a wee shuffle with things on Tuesday night,” he said.
“We went with the way we finished against Livingston on Saturday because we felt it worked for us.
“It gave us three strikers on the pitch, and three midfielders who are well capable of passing the ball and creating chances.
“And behind that we had a solid back four and goalkeeper – so I’m delighted.
“I can’t give the players enough credit for their performance.”
Greig Spence was handed his first start in the midweek cup win, and looks likely to have earned a start against the Pars after scoring the opener.
“I thought Greig did tremendous,” Murray said. “He’s a natural predator. He was playing in a wider area, but he took his chance well.
“He wants to score goals and that’s what we want from him.”
Rovers have an injury doubt over Laurie Eliis after the defender limped out of the County game with a back spasm.
“Laurie jarred his back, but I thought Colin Wilson slotted in magnificent,” Murray added.
The transfer window closes this Friday but with no funds to spend, Murray does not expect any new signings.
“There’s nothing planned but if anything happens I’ll be delighted,” he said.
“But when the guys are playing like they are, you’re happy with what you’ve got.”
Steven Masterton has been training with Raith but the Press understands he will not be offered a contract.
Saturday’s match is all-ticket. Tickets for the away end can be bought from the main office at Stark’s Park up until Friday at 3.00 p.m.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kirkcaldy
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South west
