Preview

After racking up the miles through playing four away games in the last few weeks, Raith Rovers have a home game at last this weekend, and it's a big one, with third placed Partick Thistle the visitors at Stark's Park.

After taking advantage of Dundee United's inactivity last weekend, to move to within one point of the leaders thanks to another last gasp win, this time against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Ian Murray's men know a win on Friday will take them to the summit of the Championship, at least temporarily.

The stakes are big for Partick Thistle too though, and while the focus has been on the top two in the division, Kris Doolan's side can close the gap to Raith to just two points with a win on Friday, with Dundee United just a further point ahead.

After narrowly missing out on promotion to the top flight last time out, Partick Thistle were expected to be in playoff contention at the very least this time around.

While the start to their season was inconsistent, they're now on a run of six games unbeaten, with their only defeat since the end of September coming against Dundee United.

Raith and Partick's other game this season, back on the opening day of the league campaign, was something of a blockbuster, and perhaps a portent of what Rovers fans were to expect.

Trailing 2-0 with just seven minutes to go, Rovers appeared to be leaving Maryhill with nothing, but a deflected effort from Dylan Easton gave the travelling support hope with seven minutes remaining, before an equaliser from Kieran Mitchell in the last minute sparked wild celebrations in the away end.

Home advantage seems to count a lot in this fixture, with Rovers winning just twice in their last 10 visits to Firhill, while Partick have enjoyed similarly little success in Kirkcaldy in recent years.

They've now went eight games without a win at Stark's Park, with their last victory back in March 2011.

Friday night's match referee will be Alan Muir.

Head to Head Record

Raith Rovers Wins: 51

Partick Thistle Wins: 70

Draws: 40

Reports

Highland hoodoo, what hoodoo?

Rovers braved the cold snap to travel north to Inverness – not a happy hunting ground for Rovers for the last 20 odd years. Credit to the Inverness ground staff who ensured a playable surface as games across the country fell foul to the cold weather and snow.

Rovers’ absentee list grew with Euan Murray and Captain, Scott Brown, not being named in the match day squad. Dylan Corr made his first start after injury; however, Ross Millen missed out due to suspension.

Rovers edged the opening spells with an energetic high-press but only managed to create half-chances in and around the Inverness box. Rovers thought they had taken the lead when Lewis Vaughan and Jack Hamilton combined in the area, and although Mark Ridgers fumbled it on the line, it probably didn’t cross over it.

Rovers couldn’t make their superiority count and went in at the break goalless.

Half-time: Inverness 0-0 Raith Rovers

It looked like Rovers were going to rue the missed chances when a nicely floated ball in from David Wotherspoon was met by Billy McKay, unmarked, and he headed home to give the hosts the lead. Inverness 1-0 Rovers.

Rovers, though, have a resilience this season which has kept them going all the way to the end. Inverness had a few opportunities to add to their lead but the Rovers goal remained intact thanks to Kevin Dabrowski and the crossbar.

Then a moment of magic – which Rovers’ fans have become accustomed to – from Lewis Vaughan. He neatly brought the ball down on his knee, made a nice change of direction, before firing the ball low past Ridgers with his left foot. Inverness 1-1 Rovers.

And Rovers weren’t finished. Sam Stanton was first to ball in the box before being chopped down for a penalty – a 94th minute opportunity for Rovers to take all 3 points. Jamie Gullan made no mistake from the spot and sent Rovers home with their first league victory in Inverness for 19 years. Inverness 1-2 Rovers.

Rovers play third placed rivals Partick Thistle on Friday – a victory would put Rovers top of the league.

Full-time: Inverness 1-2 Raith Rovers

Crowd: 2,143

by David Proudfoot

Photos

© Eddie Doig 2023

Highlights

Interviews

Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after today's win in the Highlands:

Matchwinner Jamie Gullan spoke to RaithTV after today's win at Inverness: