Raith star MacDonald ready for play-off battle

The Stark’s Park left back made a return to the first team after injury in the 2-1 loss at Dens Park where Rovers had only required a draw to secure second place in the Championship table.

“I thought the goals we gave away were pretty slack,” he said, “it was a penalty and a set piece, but I don't think they had a shot on goal or Jamma [Jamie MacDonald] had a save to make the whole rest of the game.

“The pitch wasn't the greatest, we can't blame that, but it wasn't really ideal for our style of play.

“We went at them in the second half, they were hardly in ours.

“It was a bit of a nothing game. It wasn't end-to-end stuff with plenty of shots on target.

“It was a bit of a scrappy game. I think they wanted it that way and we played into their hands.

“We just have to move on to the next game now.”

Despite losing such a crucial match, MacDonald insists there are plenty of reasons for optimism.

"I think there's plenty of positives to take from it.

“We're still second in the league. We just came up from League One this season and we've done very well.

“Any team that comes up their target is to stay in that league. We've been in the top four for the entire season, second place for the last seven or eight games, so I'm delighted to be in the play-offfs.

“Anything can happen so now it's all about Friday.”

Raith now meet Championship winners Hearts in Kirkcaldy on Friday night and with only a point separating them from Dundee they go into the match knowing that a draw may not be enough to take the runners-up spot.

MaDonald says: "We've beaten them already this season and they'll be playing on our park.

“We like to get the ball down and play so anything can happen in this game.

“All the boys are looking forward to it because we know what we need to do.

“Regardless of where we finish, we're all looking forward to the play-offs but I think we can go on now and take something from Hearts on Friday and cement that second spot.”