The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
It’s not Rovers and out, insists Smith
Raith seeking to claw back 2-0 deficit
Raith Rovers have taken two heavy blows in the past seven days – but Barry Smith believes they can still climb off the canvas and have their hands raised as promotion winners.
The hangover of failing to clinch the League One title at home to Alloa last weekend carried over into the first leg of their semi-final play-off against the same side on Wednesday night.
That 2-0 defeat leaves Rovers at the mercy of a knockout blow from Jim Goodwin’s side this afternoon.
But Smith insisted that all is not lost. “It has been a tough week for us but we are still very much in the tie,” he said.
“It is only half-time and I am sure that Alloa are aware that we have been strong at home all season and we are a side that can score goals.
“There was very little between the teams on Wednesday but unfortunately we didn’t create enough in the final third.
“We made a mistake when the game was goalless and not only did they score from that but they took a huge boost as well.
“Things got back to fairly even again and then we made another mistake and they got another goal.
“It will take a lot of hard work to get back into the tie but that is not something our players are scared of.”
Smith added: “The players were back in training on Thursday and they are up for the fight, make no mistake about that.
“I know that at the least we can score twice in 90 minutes to force extra time.”
Iain Davidson is suspended after being sent off for two bookings in midweek and goalkeeper Aaron Lennon is still injured.
Smith said: “A couple of players picked up knocks in midweek so I will delay naming my team until lunchtime to give them the chance to fully recover.”