Match Preview: Dumbarton (Home)

Raith Rovers  v  Dumbarton  Stark’s Park Saturday 26th September 2015 Kick off: 3.00pm

Please note that new arrangements are being put in place for concessionary tickets. If you are purchasing a concessionary ticket, you are advised to arrive earlier that normal on Saturday to familiarise yourself with the new procedures.

 *Proof of ID/entitlement may be requested, so please make sure you bring this.

Away supporters will be seated in the McDermid (North) Stand. Map Here.

Match Preview:

After an impressive performance against Celtic in the League Cup on Wesnesday, Raith Rovers return to Championship duty this Saturday, looking to make it three league wins in a row, with Dumbarton the visitors to Stark’s Park.

Steve Aitken’s side made an excellent start to their campaign, with two victories over Hibernian and St. Mirren in their opening two fixtures, however, the 2-1 win in Paisley in mid-August, was their last of any kind, and they currently sit seventh in the Championship table.

Aitken replaced Ian Murray as Dumbarton manager in the summer, and he wasted little time in building almost an entirely new side at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium, bringing in an impressive array of talent in the build-up to the new season.

Goalkeeper, Mark Brown joined after leaving Ross County, while the defence was bolstered by the acquisitions of Gregor Buchanan from Dunfermline, Frazer Wright from St. Johnstone, former Hearts defender, Darren Barr, and left-back Mark Docherty from Alloa.

In midfield, Willie Gibson and Grant Gallagher both followed Aitken from Stranraer, and both have already chipped in with important goals this term.

Ex-Hamilton player, Jon Routledge has impressed as the anchor man in midfield, and John Lindsay, who played against Raith in a pre-season friendly for Celtic, has also joined on-loan.

The forward positions will be contested by Eamonn Brophy, who has joined on-loan from Hamilton after impressing in the Development League, and Steven Craig, who had a spell as a youth player at Stark’s Park earlier in his career.

Raith Rovers will be looking to reproduce the form which saw them win both these fixtures last season. Paul Watson, Ryan Conroy and Christian Nade put Raith three up on the opening day of last campaign, while Scott Agnew scored a late consolation for the Sons. Their last meeting in Kirkcaldy was in January, with Conroy again on target, along with and Grant Anderson as Raith ground out a 2-1 win.

Dumbarton have only won once at Stark’s Park on league business in 32 years, a 3-1 win following Rovers Ramsdens Cup victory in 2014, but they have managed two cup wins in Kirkcaldy during that time, the most recent coming in 2006, with a 1-0 triumph in the second round of the Scottish Cup.

Rovers have the edge in the most recent head-to-head record between the sides, with five wins and two draws from the last ten meetings.

Saturday’s match referee will be Barry Cook.

Head-to-Head League Record at Stark’s Park:

Raith Rovers Wins: 34 | Draws: 10 | Dumbarton Wins: 11

Raith Rovers Goals: 119 | Dumbarton Goals: 66

Current Form:

Raith Rovers: W-L-L-W-W-L | Dumbarton: L-L-L-L-D-L

Top Goalscorers:

Raith Rovers: Kyle Benedictus 3, James Craigen 2, Mark Stewart 2, Lewis Vaughan 2

Dumbarton: Garry Fleming 3, Grant Gallagher 2, Willie Gibson 2

Match Odds:

Raith Rovers: 19/20 | Draw: 13/5 | Dumbarton: 29/10

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