Raith determined to carry on improving

Raith Rovers may not be progressing from their Betfred Cup group, however manager Barry Smith has seen his team improve game on game.

A campaign that started with a defeat from Cowdenbeath and was followed by solid displays against Hearts and Inverness Caledonian Thistle ends at Cove Rangers today with Smith looking for his side to take another step towards being ready for their League One promotion bid.

Smith said: “We did not get the result that we wanted at Inverness in midweek but there was a lot to be pleased about in our performance, despite losing 2-1.

“We were under a lot of pressure in the first half and we handled that but in the second half we showed that we could play as an attacking side as well.

“We played some good football in those 45 minutes so there was a lot to be positive about even if we lost to a late goal.”

Smith added: “We have nothing to play for in terms of qualification against Cove and that’s disappointing. You want to go as far as you can in the competition.

“Losing to Cowdenbeath gave us a mountain to climb and we gave it a shot with good performances in the next two games.

“We now need to keep progressing and put on an even better performance up in Aberdeen as we will not get things our own way.

“They will want to beat an SPFL side and that is a good thing as it will mean that this game is really competitive.”

Better news is emerging from the Stark’s Park treatment room with Smith reporting: “Nat Wedderburn got some game time on Tuesday and he will be available to start this one. Lewis Milne can also start with Liam Buchanan back in contention as well.”

Lewis Vaughan and Nathan Flannagan remain out.