Davidson: There's nothing for Raith to fear in play-offs

Iain Davidson (right) squares up with Falkirk's Craig Sibbald during Saturday's 2-2 draw. Pic: Michael Gillen

Iain Davidson believes there is nothing to separate Raith Rovers and Falkirk despite the Bairns having an unbeaten record against the Kirkcaldy men in the league this season.

Rovers will need to overcome Peter Houston’s side at some stage during the play-offs to reach the Premiership, but the midfielder felt Saturday’s 2-2 draw proved how closely matched the teams are.

“There wasn’t much between the teams,” he told the Press. “They’ve been in their league position for most of the season because they are a good side, and they seem to play the same XI every week.

“They’ve been up there most of the season but we’ve competed really well every time we’ve faced them.

“Saturday was a scrappy game, I thought they were pretty direct, and I had to do a defensive job in front of the centre-halves because Lee Miller was a handful.

“In the first half if we’d taken care in the final third I think we could’ve gone in 2-0 up and that would’ve been a big advantage. They reacted well in the second half, got a bit of pressure and deserved a goal, but then we responded well ourselves.

“In the context of things, a draw was a fair result but we’re disappointed not to see it out because it would’ve given us bigger confidence, but it keeps the momentum going and that’s the main thing.”

Raith have only picked up one win in eight fixtures against Falkirk and Hibs this season, but Davidson feels that the play-off environment could work in Rovers’ favour.

“There’s no pressure on us – it will all be on Falkirk or Hibs – whoever we meet in these play-offs,” he said. “We’ve got nothing to fear, but maybe the other teams possibly do. They’ll maybe look at the run we’re on and think we’re doing well for a reason. The gaffer has rotated it and whoever has come in has done well. There’s competition for places so everyone is trying their utmost to stay in the team.”

Despite the underdogs tag, Davidson feels that Raith have a squad capable of gaining promotion.

“We’ve had a good balance in the squad since January,” he said. “We’ve always had guys who can do the dirty work at the back, but the players we brought in have given us something in the final third, which has made a massive difference.”