Raith Rovers showing good form for Christmas says Smith

The Stark’s Park side face three games in a week, starting with Alloa on Boxing Day and Smith says he and John McGlynn are pleased with the shape the team are in heading into the hectic schedule.

“We're happy with our start,” he says, “we've only lost one game up at Inverness and we know how hard this league is.

“It'll be our eighth game come Saturday and we've only had three at home so far.

“We'll just have to take one game at a time.

“It's the old cliche, but that's what you have to do. It's going to be a busy week but it's one we're looking forward to.”

Before playing host to Queen of the South and then heading to east End Park to play Dunfermline, Rovers face another trip when they travel to Clackmannanshire to face a rejuvenated Alloa.

Smith says: “It's always a very difficult place to go on a big pitch. In seasons gone by in the Championship they've always done very well at home.

“Alloa beat Hearts a couple of weeks ago, they ran Hibs very close last Tuesday and John and I were at the game on Saturday when they put on a good performance to beat a very strong Inverness team, so we're going into a difficult game against a team that's showing a bit of form.

"Peter Grant's got them playing some very good football. They are similar to ourselves in that they like to get the ball down and pass it, so it will be difficult but we're looking forward to it.

"Once we get Alloa out of the way we'll regroup on Sunday and get ready for the Queen of the South game.”

Rovers have slipped to fourth in the league table, albeit they have a game in hand, and Smith makes the point that the Championship table can change dramatically from week to week.

“If you look at the table, Alloa have put two wins together and suddenly found themselves moving quickly up the league, that can happen in any area.

"Be it the top, middle or bottom, you win a few games and you project yourselves up that league.

“I'm sure Queens will be desperate to get some points because they won't want to be marooned at the bottom for too long.

“Every team will be trying to get as many points as possible over Christmas.”