The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Davidson hails ‘dirty’ win as tactical change sees Rovers go second
Raith Rovers picked up their first victory at Cappielow for almost five years after having to rip up their tactics and win “dirty.”
Stark’s Park captain Iain Davidson, who has only recently recovered from Covid-19, was his side’s hero on Saturday with a terrific 12thminute header after a pin-point Dan Armstrong free-kick.
His excellent delivery allowed Davidson to power the winning goal beyond goalkeeper Aidan McAdams and send Rovers second top of the Championship after the shock defeat of Fife rivals Dunfermline at Arbroath.
Davidson, who returned to action last midweek after suffering from Covid, said: “It was nice to get on the scoresheet but even more important to bounce back after the defeat in midweek against Dunfermline.
“Questions were asked of us as we like to play open and expansive football, but we changed our tactics and came to a difficult venue and got three points plus a clean sheet.
“Dan’s (Armstrong) got that in his locker with a good left foot and good at set pieces. I gambled and got to the front post and got a good connection and it was nice to see it going into the net.
“There are different ways of playing the game, different formations, different strategies, whatever. John has worked under Brendan Rogers and is adaptable.
“The gaffer normally likes to play 4-3-3, his favourite formation, but changed it. During the week we were far too open in the second half and Dunfermline were the better team, but it was nice to bounce back and mix it up and we were more solid and compact.
“We have adapted well in the Championship and probably taken teams by surprise and the results and the league position probably suggests that.
“So at Cappielow for the first time we had to change and play the dirty side of it.”
Rovers were forced into an unexpected switch in goal after 18 minutes when goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald limped off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by Robbie Thomson.
MacDonald went down unchallenged one minute before Davidson’s vital strike, but lasted only seven minutes more before going off.
The Kirkcaldy club’s captain added: “Jamie has been different class for us. It’s been a very tough run of games with 10 days without training since the Covid outbreak at the club.
“Jamie is a great goalkeeper and playing alongside him is second to none. He is full of calm and composure, but Robbie has come in and had little to do.”