The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Skacel still hungry and ready to play his part
Veteran Czech comes off bench to set up Stewart’s late winner
Rudi Skacel insists he is prepared to fight for his place in the Raith starting XI after his cameo appearance against Queen of the South on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Czech had a big say in the result despite only coming off the bench in the 89th minute as his pinpoint cross was turned in by Mark Stewart for a stoppage-time winner.
The man he replaced, on-loan Rangers midfielder Jordan Thompson, is almost half his age, but Skacel insists he can still keep up with the youngsters.
Skacel said: “Every game I want to go on and score – nothing has changed.
“I am still hungry for winning and that’s why I am here, for this big challenge with this bunch of young boys.
“I even compete with them after the game in the running. Every day is a challenge for me and I am enjoying my time over here.”
Skacel revealed that his instruction from manager Gary Locke was to conjure up a late winner in a match where Raith were second best for long spells.
“He told me to score or prepare a goal so I am pleased,” he said.
“I’m very happy we have three points. It’s important that you win ugly games. Nobody will ask how it was done.
“We didn’t play the same as last week but that’s why we are more happy with the three points. Now we focus for the next game – a big derby.”
Raith handed summer signing Chris Johnston his first league start in place of the injured Bobby Barr in the only change from the 4-2 victory at Falkirk.
However, there were few similarities between the performances as Rovers struggled to create chances.
The match was only four minutes old when Stephen Dobbie sent a 12-yard effort straight at Kevin Cuthbert, the keeper making a one-handed save.
A turgid first half failed to produce much more in the way of goalmouth action, although Cuthbert made a crucial stop in the 35th minute, blocking Steven Rigg’s point-blank effort.
The second half was not much better although the Raith defence took plaudits for some key blocks and interceptions.
Cuthbert made another important save in the 81st minute diving low to push Dobbie’s free-kick to safety.
The match was heading for a forgettable draw when Raith struck with their first shot on target in the 90th minute.
Skacel’s first involvement was to cut inside from the right and swing a dangerous ball into the box, which Stewart slid home from close range.
Raith boss Locke hailed Skacel’s impact but admitted his team had stolen three points.
He said: “Sometimes as a manager you get lucky with your substitutions and I’m delighted he put in such a good cross.
“He’s an experienced player and knows he’s at a stage in his career where he’ll not play every single game, but it’s important for me that we have a player of his quality.”