Defender takes goalie’s gloves as jinx strikes again

Raith Rovers’ goalkeeper jinx has struck again.

Just a fortnight on from forward Ryan Stevenson having to pull on the gloves, the club’s under-20s side were left without a keeper for their victory over Stirling Albion.

Rovers’ trialist keeper injured himself ahead of the clash on a weight that is used to hold the goals in place on the artificial surface behind Forthbank Stadium, and fellow stopper Rory Brian was among those running late due to heavy traffic caused by the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.

That meant defender Josh MacDonald was forced to don the number one jersey for the first half against the Binos.

MacDonald kept a clean sheet until halftime when Brian took over between the sticks in the 2-0 Development League win.

It was a similar story two weeks ago when the first team were left without a recognised goalkeeper for their Championship clash at fellow strugglers Ayr United following injury to Conor Brennan, Kevin Cuthbert and Aaron Lennox.

After pleas to have the game postponed were rejected by the SPFL, former Hearts player Stevenson, who has since retired from the professional game, donned the gloves in the 1-0 loss at Somerset Park.

Speaking about his experience in goal, U20s defender MacDonald, tweeted: “I might have played in goals but the team were different class, made it easy for me. Makes it even sweeter getting the three points. #unreal.”

Meanwhile Raith defender David Syme has joined Cowdenbeath on an emergency loan.

The 19-year-old made his debut in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Elgin.