Raith keen to continue their home comforts

Raith Rovers manager Barry Smith is looking for his men to defeat Stranraer to complete a perfect nine wins from nine home games in their last match at Stark’s Park of 2017.

The Kirkcaldy men have scored 17 times and conceded only three on their own turf in League One this season and Smith wants to enter the new year with his side’s home ground still a place to be feared.

He said: “The players have been great at home all season and it is something they want to keep going.

“We enjoy playing at Stark’s as the fans get right behind us and they usually get rewarded by watching a side playing with an attacking approach and a desire to score a lot of goals.

“Stranraer are still very much in the promotion hunt so this will be a tough game. They have good experience right throughout their team and have a very exciting side when it comes to going forward. However we are the home side with a proud record to maintain and I expect us to be on the front foot when it comes to going forward.”

Smith’s side, who trail Ayr by five points with two games in hand, are also showing the sort of character their manager expects away from home.

He added: “Our resilience was good under pressure at Gayfield especially in the second half when we had to stand tall. Every point is a prisoner in this league and that is why that win and our late equaliser at Airdrie were very good results.”

Raith will be without Kevin Cuthbert, Kyle Benedictus, Kevin Mchattie, John Herron and Bobby Barr.

The postponed Raith Rovers v Albion Rovers game has been rearranged for Tuesday February 6.

Raith boss Barry Smith wants his players to continue their relentless run of form at Stark’s Park.