Preview

After victory in the Fife derby at East End Park last weekend, Raith Rovers will be hoping to sustain their unbeaten start to their Championship season, when they welcome Queen's Park to Stark's Park this Saturday.

The Spiders have started the season strongly, and despite the precocious nature of their squad, they've taken nine points from a possible 12 so far, with Saturday's 3-1 loss to Partick Thistle at Firhill their first defeat of the season.

That starting eleven featured just one player over the age of 24 in Dom Thomas, while seven were aged 21 and below.

It's a fresh approach from new manager Robin Veldman, and the signs are that it could bear fruit, with several big name clubs already linked to 16-year-old goalkeeper Callan McKenna, who has started the season in superb form.

Rovers are in decent fettle themselves however, taking seven points from nine, and if last season's results are any barometer, this could be a close game, with both teams winning two and drawing the other in the five meetings.

John Frederiksen got his only goal in a Raith strip in a Challenge Cup tie in January, and that was enough for Rovers to seal a semi-final spot in the competition.

Raith's other win, which came in their most recent encounter was more impressive, and important, certainly from a Spiders perspective, as they went down 2-0 at the start of April while chasing the title, with goals from Tom Lang and Lewis Vaughan sealing the three points.

Last season's other meeting in Kirkcaldy went far better for the visitors, who ran up an impressive 5-2 win, in a game which was anything but one-sided.

Simon Murray and Dom Thomas inflicted the damage on the day with a brace each, while Aidan Connolly notched the same for Raith, who fashioned an abundance of chances, but unlike Queen's Park, couldn't convert enough of them.

A win for Rovers on Saturday would see them leap-frog their opponents who currently sit top, while a win for Queen's Park would ensure that at worst, they would retain their two point gap between themselves and Dundee United at the top of the Championship.

Saturday's match referee will be Duncan Williams.

Head-To-Head Record

Raith Rovers Wins: 51

Queen's Park Wins: 35

Draws: 26

Reports

Rollercoaster Rovers rally to the three points

Rovers came into the game in confident mood after a hard-fought victory in the Fife derby last week. Rovers’ starting 11 remained unchanged with Liam Dick and new young acquisition Callum Hannah bolstering the subs bench.

Both teams looked lively from the start with only an early goal line clearance denying the away side from taking the lead. However, it was Rovers that were to take the early lead. A good break from Stanton down the right afforded the space for a cross, and in-form Callum Smith was able to head low beyond Callan McKenna in the away goal. Rovers 1-0 Queen’s Park.

Queens responded well retaining a lot of the ball however didn’t pose a huge threat to Kevin Dabrowski’s goal. However, the first big twist in the game came just after the half hour mark: Jack Hamilton got away from Will Tizzard just beyond the halfway line and was clearly pulled back by the Queen’s player. Although many thought a yellow would be the appropriate sanction, the referee deemed Tizzard to be denying a goal-scoring opportunity and brandished a red card.

Half-time: Raith Rovers 1-0 Queen’s Park

If a goal and a red card didn’t satisfy fans for entertainment first half, the second half wasn’t going to disappoint. Rovers had chances to double their lead but a combination of McKenna denying Smith and Gullan failing to convert from close range meant the score remained unchanged.

And then the game really came to life. Dabrowski failed to deal with a long ball and Jack Turner was on hand to take advantage, and he slotted home for the equaliser. Rovers 1-1 Queen’s Park.

Indeed, the away side weren’t finished there. Ten minutes later, a goalmouth scramble, including a great low save from Dabrowski, saw the ball break to Dom Thomas and he made no mistake from 8 yards out. Rovers 1-2 Queen’s Park.

The last ten minutes (and injury time) was to feel like a bit of a season defining moment. Patient build up down the left eventually saw Liam Dick’s cross perfectly met by sub Lewis Vaughan, and a rare headed goal from him restored parity in the game. Rovers 2-2 Queen’s Park.

And Vaughan wasn’t finished. His quality and presence so often proves valuable at vital times and it was to do so again in the 94th minute. As the ball pin-balled around the Queen’s box it was finally cut back to Vaughan and he made no mistake from close range. Rovers 3-2 Queen’s Park.

A very eventful day at Stark’s Park with a twist at every turn but in the end another three points for Rovers which sees them move on to 10pts from 12. The fans left happy with no shortage of entertainment, and will hopefully return as Rovers move on to cup business next week.

Full-time: Raith Rovers 3-2 Queen’s Park

Crowd: 2,984

by David Proudfoot

Photos

Highlights

Interviews

Manager Ian Murray talked to RaithTV after the 3-2 win v Queen's Park:

Matchwinner Lewis Vaughan spoke to RaithTV after scoring twice in the 3-2 win against Queen's Park: