Line Up

Preview

One of the biggest games in Scottish football takes place at Stark's Park this weekend, with Championship leaders Dundee United travelling to Kirkcaldy to face off against second place Raith Rovers.

Ian Murray's men bounced back well from after the defeat at Airdrie a fortnight ago, with a solid 2-1 win at Somerset Park against Ayr United last time out, a win which left them just one point behind Jim Goodwin's side.

However, United have been in fine form recently, since an ignominious start to their campaign saw them lose at Spartans on the opening day of their League Cup campaign, before losing to Partick Thistle at Tannadice in the same competition.

Since then though, United have went without loss in 10 games, winning eight of them, the latest being a convincing 4-1 victory over Queen's Park last Saturday.

It's been over six years since the two sides met, with United winning 2-0 in a League Cup group match at Tannadice back in 2017, thanks to goals from Paul McMullan and a penalty from James Keatings.

It was a different story the last time the sides met at Stark's Park however, which came the season previously, when goals from Craig Barr and Ryan Hardie put Rovers two goals to the good, although a late Simon Murray goal made for an uneasy final 10 minutes for the home support.

Dundee United do have the better of the most recent meetings however, with five wins and two draws from the last 10 fixtures.

Saturday's match referee will be Alan Muir.

Head-To-Head Record

Raith Rovers Wins: 14

Dundee United Wins: 30

Draws: 12

Reports

Top of the table clash in torrential rain at Stark’s

League leaders, Dundee Utd, headed south to Stark’s Park (whilst braving the weather) for the eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. The supporters also came out in their numbers despite cancelled trains and tricky driving conditions, to make Stark’s Park the place to be this Saturday.

Lewis Vaughan was first to threaten but his shot was well dealt with by Jack Walton in the away goal. Vaughan, though, wasn’t to be denied for long: a perfectly judged cross from Josh Mullin found Vaughan, and his header came back off the post, but to the delight of the home fans, he was quickest to react and slotted home the rebound. Rovers 1-0 Dundee Utd.

The visitors almost equalised a few minutes later but Rovers managed to scramble the ball wide, and Rovers safely saw out the half.

Half-time: Raith Rovers 1-0 Dundee Utd

Although Rovers probably edged the first half, there’s no doubt the visitors had a different idea for the second.

Substitute, Louis Moult’s, free kick was well saved by Kevin Dabrowski but he wasn’t to be denied for long. The resultant corner was flicked on to Moult who headed home from close range. Rovers 1-1 Dundee Utd.

The game then opened up as both teams were keen to find a winner. Dabrowski made a few important saves whilst Walton denied Gullan at the other end. The final chance fell to Glenn Middleton but his left-footed shot was well saved by Dabrowski low to his left.

As expected, there wasn’t a huge amount between the teams, and in tough conditions, most agreed a draw was about fair. The league takes its international break next week as Rovers face Montrose in the SPFL Trust Trophy.

Full-time: Raith Rovers 1-1 Dundee Utd

Crowd: 6,808

by David Proudfoot

Photos

Highlights

Interviews

Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after the 1-1 draw at Stark's Park:

Live Updates

0'
No the best weather this afternoon at Stark's Park.
0'
United subs out of the tunnel early. 5 minutes to go…
0'
Utah Saints blazing oot the tannoy! It's time!.. Something good is gonna happen.
0'
Vaughan kicks off the match. Raith shooting into North Stand.
3'
Vaughan tries his luck. Keeper holds comfortably.
9'
💬
Not a lot to write about. Both sides looking up for it.
12'
Vaughan tries a cheeky chip from 30 yards out. We'll leave it at that!
16'
Free kick Raith. In a decent spot.
16'
Corner Raith.
17'
Stanton snapshot. Straight at keeper.
18'
Fotheringhan from 4 yards. He can't miss! Deflect by a Rovers defender and away to eventual safety.
22'
Watt thunders a low shot to Dabrowski's left. He parries well.
23'
⚽️
Goal Raith!!!!
23'
⚽️
Mullin with the cross from the right. VAUGHAN heads onto the post and then fires in the rebound.
25'
Murray slides in to block a decent looking cross. Out for a throw in.
27'
Brown booked for a professional foul on Watt. (Is it still called a professional foul?)
30'
Free kick United. At the Main Stsnd corner.
34'
Fotheringham booked for rash challenge.
41'
Proper stramash in the Rovers box. Ended with Dabrowski watching the ball trundle past his left post.
42'
Holt booked for something. I'm gonna guess, words with the referee.
45'
Half time: Raith Rovers 1-0 Dundee United.
46'
United kick off the second half.
46'
Early attack. United win a corner.
47'
Free kick United. It's close to the corner of the box.
48'
Corner United.
50'
Manager Goodwin booked for voicing an opinion.
56'
↔️
Moult replaces Fotheringham
58'
Byrne booked for an earlier challenge on Watt.
59'
💬
Scrappy second half.
60'
Dabrowski with the flying save from his own defender's header.
61'
Raith free kick outside box on right corner.
64'
Free kick for high feet again Easton. It's in a dangerous position for United.
65'
Free kick clears the wall, but Dabrowski saves well.
65'
⚽️
Goal United.
65'
⚽️
Corner from the right and Moult heads home.
69'
↔️
Glass replaced by Tillson
70'
↔️
Smith replaced by Gullan
73'
Not sure if it was a save or a block, but Raith keep it a 1-1!
74'
Docherty booked for a foul on Easton. Ball is 20 yards out…
75'
Gullan's free kick easily held.
77'
↔️
Gallagher replaced by Graham
79'
↔️
Vaughan replaced by McGill
80'
Shouts for a handball in the United box. Ref says no. Corner Raith.
82'
Rovers shot takes a wicked deflection and inches past the post. Another corner for Raith.
83'
Middleton booked.