The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Raith striker delighted by encouraging signs
Nisbet says show against Jambos makes amends for opening defeat
RAITH ROVERS 1 HEARTS 1 (HEARTS WIN 4-2 ON PENS)
Raith Rovers forward Kevin Nisbet believes Saturday’s hugely encouraging performance against Hearts made amends for their opening Betfred Cup loss to Cowdenbeath.
Barry Smith’s side were unrecognisable from the team that collapsed to a sorry Group C 2-0 defeat to their Fife rivals after giving the Premiership club a fright.
Rovers deservedly went ahead in the 51st minute through Nisbet but were pegged back after Michael Smith scored a stunning 25-yard strike in the 78th minute.
After Kyle Benedictus and Ross Matthews both missed their penalties, Hearts defender John Souttar wrapped up a bonus point for the visitors in a 4-2 shoot-out success.
Raith have little chance of progressing to the second round of the competition but former Partick Thistle player Nisbet hopes they can now build on the spirited display against Hearts.
He said: “It was a great performance from the lads, especially after what happened the previous week.
“We started the game well and our shape was brilliant for the full 90 minutes.
“It was a slight deflection for their goal but it was a wonder strike so you can’t really do anything about it.
“It was night and day compared to the Cowdenbeath game; our attitude, our pressing and our shape were good – we know Hearts are a good Premiership team so we had to keep it compact.
“It’s a great confidence boost with this type of performance with the games we’ve got to come.”
The contrast in resources between the two sides was illustrated on Saturday.
While Raith manager Barry Smith could only name four substitutes due to injury, Hearts manager Craig Levein has had the luxury of making 13 new signings this summer – with seven of them starting on Saturday.
But Nisbet reckons the Kirkcaldy outfit will sill have enough depth to compete for the League One title this season.
He said: “We’ve got a great bunch of lads in their and we’re running with a small squad due to the budget this year but we’ve definitely got enough to go and challenge for the league.
“We’ve still got big Nat Wedderburn, Nathan Flannigan and a few others to come back into the squad and I think the young boys Jamie Watson and Euan Valentine were brilliant, especially being so young on the big occasion.”
Raith manager Smith was also far more happier with his side’s showing against Hearts.
He said: “They took a bit of stick last week from myself and others and on Saturday they showed what a good professional team they are when they remain focused and are positive.”
It’s a great confidence boost with this type of performance with the games we’ve got to come. KEVIN NISBET