The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
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RAITH ROVERS will look to end a run of seven visits to Recreation Park without a win by seeing offAlloa and climbing above the Wasps in the hunt for Championship safety.
Grant Murray’s side have won only once in their last 14 league games and sit in eighth place, just the one point behind their hosts, and four ahead of second-bottom Cowdenbeath.
The game, which is the last chance for players to secure a starting jersey in next weekend’s Ramsdens Cup final against Rangers, is not one to be feared, according to Murray.
The Stark’s Park boss said: “We were disappointing against Livingston last Saturday. However, we played really well at Hamilton in midweek.
“Losing to the last kick of the ball hurt and it hurt all the more as we had put a lot into the game and deserved something from it.
“We asked the players to be positive after the Livingston game and they were. We have nothing to fear at Alloa and, while we do not have a good record there, that counts for nothing when the game starts.
“Things are still very much in our hands and I recognise that, while it was an improved performance, we need to get some points on board just to make sure we do not get dragged into anything.”
Thoughts of playing the Ibrox side at Easter Road will have to be pushed to the backs of minds, with Murray adding: “It is points that we are looking for in this game, not medals.
“Three points would get us above Alloa and closer to avoiding the play-off place so the players’ minds will be on that and not Rangers.
“If, however, they put in performances that mean they have to play in the final, that will be fine with me.”
Goalkeeper David McGurn remains out with an achilles injury and Kevin Moon is a major doubt with a hamstring problem.
Alloa are without suspended Darryl Meggat and Derek Riordan (ankle).