Sat 26th August / 14:00 / Championship 23/24 / / away
Dunfermline Athletic vs Raith Rovers
Line Up
Preview
After a narrow defeat to Hibs at Easter Road in the Viaplay Cup last weekend, the big games just keep coming for Raith Rovers, as they travel to Dunfermline on Saturday for the second Fife derby of the season.
The two have already met in the group stages of the League Cup at Stark's Park back in July, and there was little between the teams on the opening day, as Dylan Easton’s goal cancelled out Lewis McCann's opener in a 1-1 draw, although the visitors won the bonus point after winning the penalty shoot out.
Draws have been something of a recurring theme in this fixture, with three of the four meetings in our last season together in the SPFL Championship ending all square, while 6 of the last 10 have ended with the points being shared.
Another trend in this fixture, which Rovers will be hoping to reverse on Saturday, is that visiting sides generally don't come out on top.
Rovers last win at East End Park was in the second round of the Challenge Cup 10 years ago, while their last league win at the venue was way back in 2009, when goals from Grant Murray and Damian Casalinuovo sealed a 2-0 win.
Both these teams have started the season strongly, taking four points from a possible six, with the Pars following up a win over Airdrie on the opening league game of the season, with an impressive 1-1 draw at Tannadice against title favourites Dundee United.
Saturday's match referee will be Steven McLean.
Head-To-Head Record
Raith Rovers Wins: 43
Dunfermline Athletic Wins: 52
Draws: 31
Reports
Derby delight in Dunfermline
A confident Rovers squad, and band of around 2000 fans, made the short trip along the A92 for the first league derby of the season. Ian Murray made two changes to the side from their last outing at Easter Road with Scott McGill replacing the suspended Liam Dick and Jack Hamilton in for Lewis Vaughan.
The game itself certainly wasn’t one for the football purists; however, local derbies rarely are. It was the hosts who carved the first real chance: nice work down the left from Lewis McCann saw his cross find Aaron Comrie at the back post, and his side-footed volley was kept out by a combination of Kevin Dabrowski and the post. From the resulting corner the ball broke to Ewan Otoo but his shot went wide of the target.
Rovers grew into the game and whilst defending their own box well, started to make inroads into attacking the Dunfermline backline. Nice work down the left eventually found Callum Smith in the box, but Rhys Breen blocked his shot.
Rovers’ tenacity at both ends of the pitch then paid off in the 36th minute. Smith charged down Otoo on Rovers’ left side and his cross was perfectly placed for Sam Stanton to head past Harrison Sharp in the home goal. Rovers had the all-important first goal in a very keenly contested first half. Dunfermline 0-1 Rovers.
Half-time: Dunfermline 0-1 Raith Rovers
The second half followed a similar pattern with Dunfermline putting a lot of balls into the box but Rovers defending that area better than they have all season. Both team struggled to carve out many real chances however Rovers probably should’ve extended their lead ten minutes into the second half. Good battling from Jack Hamilton saw Stanton nip in to run clear, but his finish was straight at Sharp, and Dunfermline survived to fight another day.
In a game that saw possession equally shared and both sides only managing two shots each on target, it still had both sets of fans on the edge of their seats – such felt the importance of the first league joust. Rovers put bodies on the line but always looked a threat on the counter, with Josh Mullin next to threaten shooting over after a nice break down the left.
It was the hosts who had the last and best chance; however they were to be denied by a stunning save from Dabrowski and the offside flag. A neat flick from Craig Wighton found Otoo in an advanced position – deemed to be offside – and his lay off found McCann with a gilt-edged chance but Dabrowski saved low to his right putting the goal-bound effort wide and over. Probably as good a save as Rovers’ fans will see all season albeit from an offside attack – but the big man didn’t know that at the time!
The game ticked into the 96th minute and then the full time whistle blew, to the relief of the travelling support. Elation for Rovers’ fans and players, and an excellent three points on the road for Rovers – in a season where both teams will surely be battling for promotion.
Full-time: Dunfermline 0-1 Raith Rovers
Crowd: 7,583
by David Proudfoot
Photos
© E Doig 2023
Highlights
Interviews
Rovers manager Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after today's win:
Rovers skipper Keith Watson spoke to RaithTV after today's win:
Josh Mullin spoke to RaithTV after today's win: