Sat 19th November / 15:00 / 2022-23 / / home
Raith Rovers vs Queen's Park
Preview
After defeat on the road at Dens Park last weekend, Raith Rovers will be looking to get back to winning ways this Saturday, when they host Queen's Park.
Despite a close first half, Dundee came out strongly in the second half, and two goals from Zach Robinson was enough to seal all three points for the Dee.
The Spiders on the other hand ran out 2-1 winners against Inverness, thanks to goals from Charlie Fox and Simon Murray, a result which saw them leapfrog Rovers into fourth place.
Owen Coyle's men are in pretty good recent form, with just one defeat in their last five league games, which came up at the Balmoral Stadium against Cove Rangers at the start of November.
These two sides have met once already this season, with Queen's Park running out 1-0 winners at their temporary home of Ochilview back in October, thanks to Stephen Eze's second half header.
That match brought to an end a run of 10 straight wins for Rovers against Queen's, with their last victory a 1-0 win in the third tier in 2007.
Saturday's match referee will be Don Robertson.
Head-to-Head Record:
Raith Rovers Wins: 49
Queen's Park Wins: 35
Draws: 24
Reports
Rovers collapse to clinical Queen’s
Rovers made two changes from the defeat to Dundee last week with Lewis Vaughan replacing Kyle Connell and Ethan Ross replacing the injured Dylan Easton.
Rovers started well, crafting a few early chances. A Brad Spencer pass sliced open the Queen’s defence but Kieran Ngwenya couldn’t find a Rovers player with the cutback. Next down the left was Ethan Ross, his run and cutback found Vaughan, but his left-footed snapshot only found the side netting.
Rovers deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute and it was probably as good a goal as Rovers’ fans will see all season. Vaughan’s run was halted by the Queen’s defence but the ball broke to Aidan Connolly, who stepped inside and curled an unstoppable left-footed shot into the far corner. Rovers 1 - 0 Queen’s.
The game then ebbed and flowed but turned in the 36th minute. Queen’s Simon Murray curled a free kick up and over the wall and beyond the stretch of the diving Jamie MacDonald. Rovers 1 - 1 Queen’s.
Rovers then conceded again just before half-time. A speculative shot from Dom Thomas took a huge deflection off Liam Dick, leaving MacDonald helpless. Rovers 1 - 2 Queen’s.
Half-time: Raith Rovers 1 - 2 Queen’s Park
As Rovers’ fans were expecting a fast start to the second half, they were hit by a sucker punch from Queen’s. A quick breakaway down the left and subsequent cross found Murray at the back post, and he slid in to finish on the goal line. Rovers 1 - 3 Queen’s.
Rovers had some half-chances to get back in the game: Vaughan curled a shot just wide and substitute Kyle Connell had a shot well saved by Queen’s keeper, Calum Ferrie. However, Rovers’ fate was sealed in the 72nd minute.
A passing move in their own half broke down, Murray picked up the ball and charged forward before playing in Jack Thomson who took a touch before blasting low past MacDonald. Rovers 1 - 4 Queen’s.
Queen’s scored their 5th with another deflected Thomas shot before Connolly grabbed a consolation goal for Rovers. Rovers 2 - 5 Queen’s.
Rovers had other chances before the end but lacked the clinical finishing demonstrated by the visitors. Queen’s Park ended up with 5 shots on target and 5 goals. A ratio that manager Owen Coyle would have been proud of during his playing career.
Rovers, as manager Ian Murray said, will have to take this defeat on the chin, and bounce back in the Scottish Cup next week.
Full Time: Raith Rovers 2 - 5 Queen’s Park
Crowd: 1861
By David Proudfoot
Photos
Allthe pictures from the match against Queen's Park at Stark's Park.
PHOTOS © TONY FIMISTER AND JIM FOY.
Highlights
Interviews
Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after the defeat to Queen's Park FC: