Raith Rovers to host Heart of Midlothian for friendly
Raith Rovers have lined up a friendly to fill the gap between this summer’s Premier Sports Cup group-stage fixtures ending and their next William Hill Championship campaign starting.
That’s versus Heart of Midlothian and it will be at home at Kirkcaldy’s Stark’s Park on Friday, July 24, with kick-off against the William Hill Premiership visitors at 7.30pm.
Tickets to see manager Dougie Imrie’s hosts take on opposite number Wouter Vrancken’s Edinburgh outfit cost £16 for adults, £8 for over-65s and £8 for children aged 12 to 15, with those under 12 getting in free.
Raith’s last league cup pool fixture is at home to Peterhead on Tuesday, July 21, at 7.45pm, and they launch their next attempt to join Hearts in the top flight versus Stenhousemuir on Saturday, August 1, at 3pm, also at Stark’s Park.
July 24’s friendly also fills a gap in Hearts’ fixture schedule between their two Champions League second qualifying round ties against Austria’s Sturm Graz – away on Tuesday, July 21, and at home at Tynecastle Park seven days later, both 7.45pm kick-offs.
A Raith spokesperson said: “Wouter Vrancken’s side will make the trip to Kirkcaldy as they continue their preparations for a UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Sturm Graz at Tynecastle.
“Having taken the premiership title race to the final day last season, Hearts will provide a stern test for Dougie Imrie’s side.
“The visit of the Jambos will provide our final outing before we begin our league campaign at home to Stenhousemuir a week later.”
Raith last played Hearts competitively in April 2021, losing that home championship fixture 4-0 after seeing Iain Davidson red-carded just ahead of the hour mark, with Gary Mackay-Steven at the double, Euan Henderson and Steven Naismith on target for the visitors.
They’ve since hosted a friendly against them in October 2024, winning 3-1, with Blair Spittal opening the scoring for the capital city side but Lewis Jamieson, Jack Hamilton and Dylan Easton hitting back.