Smith wants Rovers to get back on goal trail

Raith Rovers head to Queen’s Park with manager Barry Smith hoping to see his side return to their free-scoring ways.

The Stark’s Park side have slipped behind Ayr United in the title chase after firing blanks in a 1-0 defeat at Stranraer and a goalless draw at Alloa.

Smith wants his players to prove that their lack of goals is a temporary blip when they come across a host side who have fallen to the foot of the table.

He said: “We did not play that well at Stranraer – however, we played some good football at Alloa.

“The biggest disappointment, however has been that we lacked a clinical edge in both games.

“It is not like us and it was strange for that to happen in two games running as our strikers have been really good all season.”

Dario Zanatta has returned on loan from Hearts and Smith believes that will help in front of goal.

He explained: “We quietly went about things in the last week of the transfer window and I was delighted to get Dario back as he was our number one target.

“He was a really positive member of our squad during the first half of the season and I am sure he will be again.

“He has been boosted by scoring for Hearts’ first team when he was back with them in a game at Hamilton. He is in my thoughts for a start in this game.”

Kevin Mchattie has been ruled out after being stretchered off at Alloa, with Kevin Cuthbert and Scott Robertson also missing.

Raith Rovers boss Barry Smith is disappointed with recent results. SNS.