Smith envies Alloa’s clean bill of health

Raith Rovers boss Barry Smith admitted he is envious of opposite number Jim Goodwin’s clean bill of health at Alloa.

The two promotion hopefuls clash at Stark’s Park today, and Smith would love to be able to get the consistency of selection that Goodwin has benefited from.

He said: “Alloa have enjoyed something recently which we have not been able to do, and that is fielding a settled team.

“They won five games in a row without making any changes to their line-up, and that consistency of selection has helped them.

“They have good players in their squad and climbed into the top four as a result of those wins.

“Not having to chop and change things will have been a benefit.

“Having been on a good run, they will view this game as the perfect one to bounce back in after losing late on to Ayr last weekend.

“We also scored in the last minute to get a draw at their place at the start of the season and I am sure their manager Jim Goodwin will be mentioning that.”

Smith is anticipating a more open contest than last weekend’s 2-0 win over bottom side Queen’s Park, who frustrated the Fifers before Dario Zanatta and Greig Spence found a way through to goal.

He added: “It was a case of being patient, and we were.

“I am delighted for Dario to get the goal that provided the breakthrough as he has been working really hard without getting too much of a reward.

“This game should be different as Alloa usually open up and play in an attacking way.

“They have good players so we will need our creative players to find space and create danger.”

Smith added: “We are the home side and have been strong there all season and we will look to continue in that manner.”

Aaron Lennox, Kevin Cuthbert, Kyle Benedictus, Kevin McHattie and Bobby Barr are all out injured, with two unnamed players also doubtful.

Picture: SNS. Gavin Swankie was able to train all week ahead of the visit of Stranraer.