Money's Too Tight To Mention

Click here or read below for my preview of the Scottish First Division for the 2011/12 season. It was published in the brand new Away End Magazine.

Money's Too Tight To Mention

If the First Division had a highlights package the opening credits would surely feature the song “Money's Too Tight To Mention”. The summer of 2011 has been a miserable period for many players in Scotland's second tier. Falkirk released eighteen players, Raith let fifteen go, twelve left Queen of the South, Morton saw off eleven and Dundee waved goodbye to nine.

However, there is one club bucking the trend. Highland outfit Ross County have been signing players like no tomorrow. Michael Fraser, Colin McMenamin, Grant Munro, Kurtis Byrne, Russell Duncan, Sam Morrow and Rocco Quinn have all made the journey to Dingwall forming what is expected to be a twenty-four man squad. It appears that Ross County are now finally prepared  to use the sizeable sum of money they gained when they reached the Scottish Cup final in 2010. Although it may take time for County's squad to gel they still have to be considered favourites for the title.

At the other end of the table it is expected that Ayr United will occupy tenth place for most, if not all of the season. United will remain a part-time club, despite Gareth Wardlaw joining from SPL side St. Mirren. In fact, they will be the only part-timers in the First Division and should find it harder to compete with the rest of the league.

Livingston are the other new arrivals from down below as they cruised to the Second Division title last season. Although they operate a full-time squad, the West Lothian side have yet to make a summer signing and may struggle to stay away from the dreaded relegation playoff spot.

Hamilton Academical are the other new side to join the First Division. They had a miserable campaign in the SPL last season, winning just one league game at home and scoring a measly twenty-four goals. Indeed, it looks like their goalscoring problems could continue for another season. The only striker Accies have on theirs books is Dougie Imrie. Therefore, it would be surprising if Hamilton were in a promotion battle come May 2012, especially considering the lack of experience they possess. A staggering nine of the twenty-one player squad are under the age of twenty.

The other six teams are much of a muchness. Having lost Gary Harkins, Craig Forsyth and Sean Higgins, Dundee are unlikely to be as strong as last season although they should be aiming for a top half finish.

As mentioned above, Raith Rovers made big summer cuts which included first team regulars Mark Campbell, Stephen Simmons and Gregory Tade. Therefore the Kirkcaldy side may struggle to go beyond mid-table this time around.

Greenock Morton have brought in a SPL strikeforce of Peter MacDonald and Andy Jackson along with four other players with similar experience and the Inverclyde club should be aiming for a promotion challenge. The loss of talisman Allan Jenkins however, will have been a significant blow for Allan Moore's men.

Falkirk's squad is still looking quite depleted despite the additions of Darren Dods and Bolton loanee Rhys Bennett. Important players such as Mark Stewart, Mark Twaddle and Robert Olejnik have left the Bairns recently and despite the departures, manager Steven Pressley is not sure if he can afford to bring in many more players to replace them.

Partick Thistle are in a transitional phase at the moment and should not be expected to be far above mid-table. They lost left back Paddy Boyle to SPL new boys Dunfermline Athletic, but have a decent squad who will be looking to make an impression on manager Jackie McNamara.

It is hard to predict how Queen of the South's season will transpire because the Doonhamers are still some way from having their squad completed. However, signings such as Simmons, Campbell and Kevin Smith are evidence of the club making a statement of intent to stay in the Division, despite their well known financial issues.

Ross County and Ayr United should, on paper, occupy first and tenth place, but depending on luck, injuries and tactical ingenuity the rest could almost be scattered in any of the remaining eight positions. The First Division has just become an even tighter league, who would have thought?

written by Will Lyon

Sunday 2nd January 2011 - Raith Rovers v Dunfermline Athletic [Preview]

Click here or read below of my preview of the forthcoming Fife derby between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic. It was published on The Away End.

Title honours up for grabs in Ne'erday clash

Raith Rovers are fighting to get their pitch ready for their eagerly anticipated fixture against Dunfermline Athletic on Sunday. The pitch at Starks Park is still frozen in areas, but the club are confident that it will be playable in time for the Fife derby.

The consequences of this game are huge in the race for the First Division title. A Dunfermline win would send the Pars seven points clear of their Kirkcaldy neighbours, a sizeable gap for the turn of the year. However, a win for Raith would see them close the gap on Dunfermline to just one point, with a game in hand.

Raith, despite occupying third place, are on a poor run of form. They have failed to win since 30 October and were unable to score in their last two games. However, John McGlynn's side will be pleased that they have managed to keep a clean sheet in these previous two games after they fell to a shocking 4-2 defeat at Alloa Athletic in November.

Dunfermline on the other hand are on a fairly decent run. They have picked up eight points in their last four games and thrashed Cowdenbeath by five goals on Wednesday night. Jim McIntyre's side have a great attacking threat but have been known to crumble defensively. They have thrown away 2-0 advantages against Dundee and Raith to draw 2-2 in recent months.

What we can expect in this New Year derby is a very stuffy game played at a frantic pace. Raith have a very well organised and hard working defence and it is unlikely that Dunfermline's attacking threat will be sharp enough to penetrate the home defence very often. Dunfermline will probably have slightly more of the ball, but when Raith have possession, they will look to break quickly with the pace of their attacking line.

Raith's key player will undoubtedly be Gregory Tade. The big Frenchman causes havoc every time he plays due to his sheer athleticism and pace. He will be the target man for any long balls and is a key part of the Raith counter attack system.

Dunfermline's key player would normally be Steven Bell or Willie Gibson, but they will miss out due to injury and illness. Therefore, Andy Kirk will be the player that Pars fans will look to for a spark. The First Division joint top goalscorer has struggled to rediscover his scoring form recently, but found himself back on track after he scored the opening goal in the romp against Cowdenbeath on Wednesday.

You don't have to look far for a classic game between Raith and Dunfermline. The sides last met in a 2-2 draw at a packed East End Park on 13 November 2010. The Pars dominated the first period and went in 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from former Rover, Pat Clarke and Callum Woods. Rovers fans stood in silence at half time as they tried to comprehend the sheer dominance of their west Fife rivals.

The second half began with Rovers finally creating a few decent chances. However, Dunfermline should have sealed the game shortly after the break when Kirk missed an open goal after a deep Clarke cross. The Pars fans had their heads in their hands once more when Neil McGregor picked up his second yellow card of the game after scything down Scott McBride.

Raith were now well in control but fifteen minutes from time their fans were almost rioting. Kirk had left the pitch to be treated by the physio, while manager McIntyre made two substitutions. Kirk was unaware that he had been subbed and after receiving treatment he strolled back onto the pitch to make the teams even again at 11v11. Referee Eddie Smith soon turned his attention to the Raith fans screaming “cheats!” and booing incessantly. He finally realised that Kirk had incorrectly come back onto the pitch and booked the striker before he trotted back off the pitch onto the bench.

Raith managed to grab a goal back on the 83^rd minute when keeper' Chris Smith failed to hold onto the ball and former Par Ian Williamson nicked it off him and slotted home into the empty net.

Minutes later Williamson rattled the bar and Craig Wilson fired a belting shot inches over. The Pars looked to have held out for the three points, but two minutes into stoppage time Allan Walker looped the ball over Smith into the back of the net to level the game at 2-2.

For Dunfermline fans it felt like a defeat, for Rovers, it was a victorious feeling.

With so much to play for, Sundays game should be a cracker too.

Wednesday 29th December 2010 - Falkirk 0 v 0 Raith Rovers

Click here or read below for my match report of the Irn Bru Scottish First Division fixture between Falkirk and Raith Rovers. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 

Stalemate At Falkirk

Raith Rovers rounded off a fantastic year with a well earned draw at the Westfield Stadium.

The majority of the match was an even contest with both sides unable to break each other down but as legs began to tire near the end, opportunities followed.

It was the visitors that had the best two chances, both falling to Gregory Tade in the dying embers of the game. However, Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik was in fine form, denying the Frenchman one-on-one both times.

Despite a poor first half display from both sides, the signs were initially positive as Falkirk's Mark Stewart broke free at the back post only for former Falkirk stopper Mark Campbell to make a superb sliding tackle just in time.

After twenty minutes of play being stuck in midfield, Mark Twaddle made a neat run down the left hand side but was averted by Rovers captain Grant Murray. After the resultant corner, Raith broke up the pitch and Scott McBride hit an effort wide of the post.

Moments later, the ball was at the other end of the pitch as Kenny Deuchar nodded a dangerous header across goal, but thankfully for the 547 away fans, Campbell was on hand to head over his own bar for a corner.

The rest of the half produced few other chances and it was made harder to watch by referee Stevie O'Reilly as he persisted in talking to players for long spells after strong tackles. Indeed, three minutes from the break Raith gaffer John McGlynn was given a warning by O'Reilly for seemingly voicing some concerns over his performance.

Within five minutes of the second period Raith created the best chance of the match so far, as a cross-cum-shot from McBride was nearly diverted in at the back post by Tade.

John Baird and Allan Walker had attempts on goal for Raith which were followed by a tricky Kieran Duffie shot, however, David McGurn in the Raith goal did well to tip over.

Half chances appeared at both ends, with the majority created for Raith by Tade and Walker while Burton O'Brien and substitute Kallum Higginbotham fired over for Falkirk.

The Kirkcaldy side looked to have taken the lead on the 76th minute as Baird fired a well struck effort into the bottom corner but he was adjudged to be offside.

As the game drew to a close, Falkirk had numerous scrambles in the Rovers box, with the home support often crying for a penalty to be awarded.

In the last minute of regulation Raith should have taken the lead as Tade found himself clean through on goal after a long ball but his effort was well saved by Olejnik.

Much to the Falkirk keeper's horror, three minutes into stoppage time, Tade was one-one-one with him again. The Austrian made another fine block with his legs, but this time the ball fell to Baird on the edge of the box, who fired another shot at goal. With Olejnik beaten, Rovers fans thought Baird had scored, only for Scobbie to clear the ball off the line.

The final action of the match was a Raith corner swung in by Walker and the home fans watched on through their fingers as Laurie Ellis headed the ball across goal, inches from the head of the inrushing Baird, and wide of the post.

A draw was the fairest result, but both teams will still feel that they had enough chances to win the match.

With Dunfermline Athletic thumping Cowdenbeath by five goals, the New Year derby between the Pars and Raith becomes more important. A Raith win on Sunday would take them just one point behind their West Fife rivals, with a game in hand.

Scotland says 'snow way' to winter break

Click here or read below for my article on a winter break in Scottish football. It was published on www.thefootballreporter.com.

In recent weeks Scotland has been pounded with copious amounts of snow. Postponements have been rife and so to avoid all the hassle caused by these call-offs, fans and pundits have started calling for a winter break again. But could it really work?

To be blunt, no, it could not.

Some of the flooding during the storm

On 21 July 2009, Scottish First Division side Raith Rovers hosted a friendly against Hibernian. Everything was going well until the second half. The players came out and started the second period, but after just two minutes there was a power surge and the floodlights cut out. In just the next ten minutes, as the lights were turning back on, a freak storm occurred and flooded the pitch. Unfortunately, the match had to be abandoned.

If you had not already observed, this was a friendly abandoned due to weather, not in winter, but in the heart of summer. Admittedly it was a freak storm, but it underlines the point that Scottish weather is unpredictable at the best of times.

The current league campaign has seen postponements because of large amounts of snow (and referee strikes) as early as 27 November, while last season, Scottish clubs still saw matches called off as late as 2 March because of frozen pitches. So going by the events of just one year, 2010, if a winter break was to cover all possibilities of postponed fixtures, it would have to start in mid November and continue till mid March.

Of course this is far too long a period for no football to be played in the current league set up. How are Scottish teams supposed to find enough time to play their 36 or 38 league games, plus cup fixtures, between August and mid November, and mid March till May? Some clubs would have to play at least two games a week for the entire season to fulfil their fixtures. The product on display is bad enough already without having to watch the same players trying to perform whilst physically shattered.

Three or four months of fixtures cannot be wiped out because pitches 'might' freeze or flood, or snow 'might' compromise the safety of fans. Instead, the country has to continue to battle on with what the weather serves up. If Scotland is hit by adverse weather during December and January, then so be it. It can not be predicted when conditions will be unsuitable, so clubs have to stay tough and play the hand they are dealt by nature.

Some may say the solution would be to employ a winter break and extend the season by a few months. However, this would lead to league campaigns finishing in June or July. How are pitches supposed to repair themselves if football is still being played deep into the summer? How are clubs going to afford paying wages for one or two months longer when they struggle to pay wages as it is? And how are players going to have enough time to recuperate for the following season if they have just a few weeks to rest?

The 'winter break' is a pipedream and always will be.

Raith Rovers 0 v 1 Queen Of The South

Click here or read below for my match report of Raith Rovers v Queen of the South. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Mistake Costs Rovers Dear

Raith Rovers fell to a close 1-0 defeat at the hands of Queen of the South this afternoon.

The Starks Park side dominated possession for the duration of the match, but were handed the sucker punch on the 75th minute when Raith goalkeeper David McGurn sliced a kickout straight to Queens and after some quick passes, Ryan Conroy slotted the ball home.

Raith’s passing was very pretty, but ultimately toothless. However, huge credit must be given to the Queens defence who stood tall and showed great determination.

The result is a blow for Rovers as second placed Dunfermline Athletic lost 2-1 to Greenock Morton, meaning the Kirkcaldy side missed a great chance to pull further clear of their Fife rivals.

Queens visited Starks Park after making two changes to their side. William McLaren and Ryan McGuffie replaced Allan Johnstone and the injured Rocco Quinn, while Rovers swapped Iain Williamson for Stephen Simmons, who had recovered in time from his calf problem.

It was the away side who threatened first as McLaren shot straight into McGurn’s arms, although Rovers created their own chance after good link up play between Gregory Tade and Jamie Mole found John Baird, but his long range effort flew over the bar.

The next twenty minutes saw some very attractive football from the home side, but ultimately their final ball was not good enough to penetrate the deep-sitting Queens defence.

With the home fans beckoning attacking football, Raith started to create a few opportunities. On the 26th minute Allan Walker drifted a free-kick into the Queens box only for Iain Davidson to head straight into David Hutton’s hands.

Three minutes later Tade made a lung bursting run forward but his shot was high and into the stands.

The end of the first half bore witness to more attacking play from Raith and Queens sat back, trying to  keep a clean sheet heading into half time. Craig Wilson, who made many great runs down the right, flew up the pitch, cut inside and his left footed shot drifted wide of the Queens post. Then moments later, Queens failed to clear their lines but a well struck shot from the edge of the box by Simmons was bulleted over.

The second half started off no different from the first, with Raith dominating possession, but Queens had the first opportunity on 59 minutes when Simmons blocked what looked to have been a goal-bound Queens shot.

However, Rovers regained possession and continued their mission of passing through the Queens defence. Unfortunately for the home side, David Lilley and his teammates were stubborn and Raith could only attempt long range efforts from Walker and Wilson, although the latter’s shot was just inches over.

Disaster struck for the Fifers fifteen minutes from time when McGurn, who had been a spectator for most of the match, sliced his kick-out only as far as Derek Holmes who headed the ball forward to McLaren and he set up Conroy perfectly to slot the ball past McGurn with ease.

Raith were stunned but vowed to battle on taking a more direct route, but ultimately Queens comfortably held out for victory.

The Lang Touners must pick themselves up quickly and prepare to travel west for a top of the table clash against fierce rivals Dunfermline next week.

Greenock Morton 0 v 1 Raith Rovers

Click here, or read below for my match report of Greenock Morton v Raith Rovers which took place this afternoon. The report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

 Table Topping Rovers Send Morton Rock Bottom

Greenock Morton lumbered to a narrow defeat against table topping Raith Rovers at Cappielow Park this afternoon. Apart from numerous long range efforts, the home side struggled to threaten the Rovers goal and despite throwing men forward at the end, the Fifers held on.

Raith were the better team in what was a fairly scrappy affair and would have been disappointed to go in at half time without a goal to show for their efforts.

The second half failed to see an improvement in quality but Allan Walker snatched the points away from Morton on the 61st minute as he belted the ball past Colin Stewart. His strike condemns Morton to bottom while it keeps Rovers on top.

Rovers tried to pass the ball around right from the start, but Morton had an early chance headed over by Allan Jenkins.

Raith had their first opportunities through a powerful Grant Murray header and a Jamie Mole cross which caused problems for Stewart in the Morton goal.

The Kirkcaldy side then tried to convert their possession into goals on 15th minute as Mole cut a ball across goal but Morton crowded out the onrushing Walker.

Gregory Tade drilled a ball across goal without any takers before Stewart pushed a rasping Iain Williamson shot up in the air and Stuart McCaffrey headed the ball over for a corner.

John Baird had two chances as first Walker and then Craig Wilson aimed two crosses at the striker. Baird's first effort failed to find the target but after Tade did great work down the right hand side to release Wilson, the receiving Baird met the ball perfectly but lashed it into the side-netting.

Despite Morton being on the back foot for the majority of the half, they still managed to carve open a great opportunity on the 37th minute. Brian Graham had the beating of Laurie Ellis in the box and from a tight angle stroked the ball inches wide of the post, but credit must go to Raith keeper' David McGurn who looked Schmeichel-like as he made himself as big as possible.

Rovers fans were shouting for a penalty as the half drew to a close when Baird’s run into the box was halted by a blatant body-check by Smyth.

Morton came out in the second half looking to cause a few problems in the Rovers defence with Michael Tidser curling a shot over the bar and Allan Jenkins heading over from a corner.

However, on the 57th minute Rovers went close again when Baird drove a fierce shot only to see a Morton defender block the effort away on the six yard line.

Baird then stung the palms of Stewart moments after McGurn had dealt with a Tidser shot comfortably.

The next attack saw Raith finally take the lead. Wilson's deflected pile-driver fell to the unmarked Walker who drove the ball at goal and despite a strong palm thrown in the way, Stewart couldn't keep the ball from nestling in the back of the net.

Graham Weir, who replaced Tade had an effort saved on the 86th minute, before Allan Moore pushed his team forward in search of a dramatic late equaliser.

Marc Smyth and Tidser hit long range shots over the bar, but the best chance for Morton to equalise came on the 89th minute. With Rovers defenders scrambling around Graham, he turned and watched his shot crawl inches past the post with McGurn scrambling.

However, it wasn't to be Morton's day and the result means they now prop up the rest of the division. On the other hand, Rovers keep up their lofty position and hold Dunfermline in second place below them in the league table.

Picture © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Raith Rovers 1 v 0 Ross County [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of Raith Rovers v Ross County which took place this afternoon. It was published on the Official Raith Rovers website.

Cowdenbeath 1 v 2 Raith Rovers [Match Report]

Click here for my match report of the fixture between Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers that took place this afternoon.

Raith Rovers 0 v 2 Stirling Albion [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report on Raith Rovers v Stirling Albion. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Blow Golden Chance 

Raith Rovers blew a fantastic opportunity to send themselves back to the top of the First Division table this afternoon when they lost 2-0 to Stirling Albion at Starks Park.

Table toppers Dunfermline Athletic lost 2-0 to Queen of the South at Palmerston Park, but Raith failed to leapfrog them after blundering numerous second half chances.

Kick off was delayed for a short time when one of referee Collum’s assistants had to pull out due to an injury. The call went out for a replacement from the crowd and was answered by Chris Phillips whose dad Tom is the Supporters’ representative on the board at Stark’s Park.


Chris Phillips takes up his position on the touchline Stirling Albion had the best chances of the first half and after Stephen Simmons brought down Chris Aitkin in the box on the stroke of half time, the former Ayr United skipper stepped up and sent the away side in with a one goal advantage.

Rovers had ample chances to equalise as Willie Dyer rattled the crossbar, John Baird shot inches wide and Mark Ferry was denied by a goal line clearance, but when Gordon Smith found himself one-on-one with David McGurn he made no mistake and sealed the three points for Albion.

The start of the match was a little tentative although Ferry, Craig Wilson and Grant Murray all had half chances for Raith in the first fifteen minutes, while McGurn made a great reaction save from former Rover, Ryan Borris.

Borris was causing problems again on the 19th minute as he beat two defenders on the edge of the Raith box, but Murray flung himself in the way of his goal bound effort to concede a corner. After initially clearing the corner, Wilson gave the ball back to Albion but again the Kirkcaldy side were saved by the diving Murray who blocked Aitkin’s shot wide of the post.

Aitkin was instrumental in midfield and he threaded through a great pass to Nathan Taggart and Rovers had McGurn to thank as he made a fantastic leg save from the winger.


McGurn keeps Taggart out with a great block Rovers turned up the heat as Gregory Tade hit over with an overhead kick and Allan Walker headed wide of the post, but it was Stirling’s Aitkin who was causing the most havoc.


Tade tries an overhead effort that went just over On the 40th minute Aitkin played a lovely one-two with Taggart but Aitkin’s effort hit the side netting.

Four minutes later, referee William Collum pointed to the spot as Aitkin was brought down by Simmons and although it was definitely a foul, there was some debate about whether the challenge was made in or outside of the box.

Aitkin stepped up and rattled the ball straight down the middle to send the away side in at the break one goal to the good.


GOAL: Aitken sends his spot kick past McGurn
Raith started the second half with nerves and could have been punished straight away, but somehow Borris missed the target after cutting into the box well.

The home support encouraged their side forward and the team responded with some fantastic opportunities.

Ferry was unlucky to see his powerful header cleared off the line by Taggart before Dyer rasped a 25 yard shot off the Albion bar with Reidford well beaten, Walker got a diving header to the rebound but the Bino’s keeper did well to touch it over the bar.


Dyer’s shot has Reidford beaten but it crashed back off the bar Raith were camped in the Stirling half and Murray had one attempt deflected wide of the goal and then headed another over the bar. Moment later, Scott Robertson was lucky not to score an own goal as he nearly diverted a Baird cross into his own net.

On the 65th minute another chance went amiss when Iain Davidson fed a delightful ball through to Baird but the former Airdrie man missed the target by inches.

Raith were all over the visitors at this point but John McGlynn felt that a bigger aerial threat was required with Tade and Ferry making way for Jamie Mole and defender Mark Campbell. Both subs made their way upfront to try and knock down long balls.

However, the substitutions appeared to work in Stirling’s favour as Rovers struggled to keep their rhythm going.

Graham Weir replaced the tiring Baird and as Raith pushed up the pitch it was inevitable that Stirling would catch their opponents on the break.

First of all Stirling substitute Sylvano Comvalius found himself one-on-one with McGurn and the Rovers keeper’ saved well.

Weir fired a wayward drive on the 89th minute before Stirling sealed the points one minute later.

Aitkin turned supplier as he released a great ball to Smith who ran the entire Raith half and although McGurn made himself big, Smith found a way past him and celebrated his goal with the ecstatic Albion fans.


GOAL: Smith sends the ball past McGurn to seal the points Rovers tried in vain to get another goal although Campbell should have done better from seven yards as he hit a vicious shot over the bar, but in truth, the game was already over.


Sparky had a great chance but sent the ball over from 7 yards All in all, a bad day at the office for the Rovers and a fantastic scalp for Stirling, who drag themselves further away from the bottom of the league table.

Pictures © Jim Foy

written by Will Lyon

Third Lanark

Click on the picture below to read my article on Third Lanark and their home, Cathkin Park. The article was furstly published in the official Raith Rovers matchday programme 'The Rover' on 2nd October 2010. You can also click this link or read below as it was then published on the 11th November 2010 at the Away End's website.

Cathkin Park: The forgotten home of Scottish Football

Efforts being made to restore a piece of Scottish history By Will Lyon

Cathkin Park has an eerie feel to it these days. After all, it was around 43 years ago that it's occupiers Third Lanark went bust and departed the ground.

Being only 21-years-old when I visited the ground this summer I found it hard to imagine the 45,455 spectators crammed in to watch Third Lanark take on Rangers in a 1954 Scottish Cup Third Round tie.

This is because all that remains now is a section of the original wall, a crumbling terrace littered with rubbish and tall trees which have shot up around the pitch.

An amateur Glasgow side still play football at Cathkin Park but now the majority of it's visitors are dog walkers and local teenagers who find themselves at a loose end at night.




History


Third Lanark are normally the only league side associated with Cathkin Park but it was actually Queens Park who owned the ground when it first opened in 1884, although back then, the name it possessed was Hampden Park.

19 years later The Spiders sold the ground to Third Lanark who renamed it New Cathkin Park and for the next 61 years The Hi-Hi's played senior football on the famous pitch.

Thirds were a fairly successful team in their complete 95 year history, winning the Scottish Football League, Scottish First Division, Scottish Cup and were also runners up of the Scottish League Cup. Their attendances reflect their success as they were fairly consistent right up to the end.

Before Queens Park sold the ground, Cathkin Park played host to two international matches. In fact, on 15 March 1884 the first all-ticket match ever was held at the stadium when Scotland welcomed England north of the border for a hostile fixture.



The Future 


Sadly, it is unlikely that Cathkin Park will become anything like it was in it's heyday, with the main stand, the roof covering the opposite terracing and the quaint pavilion all now completely gone. However, work is being done to restore some of it's former pride.

Scottish actor Simon Weir has begun work on restoring the ground, after finding out that his great-grandfather John Weir played for Third Lanark during the 1910's.

He updates his blog 'Friends Of Cathkin Park' regularly with discoveries of old photos, videos, stories and also a commentary of how his restoration work is proceeding.

The original wall that remains around half of the ground contains graffiti and 43 years of mould, yet Weir has been trying his best to scrub it all away.

Whether you have watched a competitive fixture at Cathkin Park, or weren't even born when Third Lanark disbanded, I would recommend you take a day out to visit the park. To stand on the touchline today and imagine the amount of quality players who strutted their stuff on the pitch in front of thousands of adoring fans almost half a century ago and beyond, is quite something.

You can check out Simon Weir's progress at: http://thirdlanark.blogspot.com/

Raith Rovers 2 v 1 Falkirk [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report on Raith Rovers v Falkirk. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Battle Hard To Beat The Bairns Raith Rovers 2-1 Falkirk 25 Sep 2010: Irn Bru Scottish 1st Division Raith Rovers kept the pressure on table-toppers Dunfermline Athletic this afternoon as they came from a goal behind to win 2-1 against Falkirk. Falkirk took an early lead after Raith defender Laurie Ellis hesitated a moment too long, allowing Ryan Flynn to nip in and put the away side ahead. Rovers turned up the heat and found a more than deserved equaliser, when Gregory Tade capitalised on a mistake by Robert Olejnik and placed a shot into the empty Falkirk net. The second half was a stale affair but after Falkirk fans were soaked by sprinklers in front of the McDermid Stand, Rovers found the winning goal when Willie Dyer fired in a long range effort to secure three points for the Starks Park side. Raith almost scored a lucky goal after just four minutes when Stephen Simmons hit a cross-cum-shot, only to see his effort narrowly miss the target. However, it was the away side who took the lead first. Mark Stewart threaded a fairly harmless pass into the Rovers box but Ellis seemed to be caught in two minds and missed the ball. Flynn didn't need any further encouragement as he slotted the ball past David McGurn with ease. Rovers responded in positive fashion when Iain Davidson headed narrowly wide and Craig Wilson saw his long range effort whistle past the post. However, the Starks Park side appeared to have lady luck on their side as Falkirk failed to find the net after two stramashes in the Rovers box. Allan Walker then saw his free-kick well saved by Olejnik before Raith had a golden opportunity to equalise on the 36th minute. Wilson crossed a delightful ball into the Falkirk area but Mark Ferry and Tade found themselves in the way of each other and the ball trickled out for a goal kick. One minute later, Raith's frustration turned to joy as Falkirk defender Brian McLean and Olejnik were caught in two minds after a long ball up the pitch and Tade capitalised on the indecisiveness, nipping in and coolly passing the ball into the back of the empty net. Rovers now had a spring in their step and put Falkirk under tremendous pressure for the remaining minutes of the first period, but Walker, Wilson and Simmons couldn't find the net with their efforts. Just two minutes before the break Rovers had a penalty claim dismissed by referee Steve Conroy as McLean clearly handled the ball in the box, but the whistle blower suggested it had been ball to hand. The second half began at a slow pace and aside from a tame Carl Finnigan effort, the first moment of entertainment in the half arrived fifteen minutes in when the Falkirk fans at the front of the McDermid stand received a soaking from a sprinkler. Chants alleging the lack of soap and water to be found in Falkirk quickly ensued from the amused home support. Unfortunately the second half witnessed play becoming bogged down in the centre of the pitch, but this all changed twelve minutes from time. Dyer was given far too much time and space down the left wing and he fired a speculative effort into the Falkirk goal. As Dyer's shot was heading towards goal, substitute Iain Williamson appeared to distract Olejnik as he cut across his line of vision and the ball rolled into the bottom corner of the net. Steven Pressley urged his side on in search of an equaliser and John McGlynn responded by bringing on defender Mark Campbell for his first appearance in a league match since a 2-1 defeat to Greenock Morton in January. Falkirk's pressure was dealt with well by the Kirkcaldy side, as they limited their opponents to one last chance when substitute Mark Millar fired a freekick into the Rovers box but McLean could only head past the post. Raith sit one point behind leaders Dunfermline at the top of the League table and are now five clear of third placed Falkirk. Pictures © Jim Foy written by Will Lyon

Aberdeen v Raith Rovers [Preview]

Click here or read below for my preview of the Co-operative Insurance Third Round fixture between Aberdeen and Raith Rovers due to take place tomorrow night.

Aberdeen FC v Raith Rovers FC 22/09/2010

After two goalless draws in league business over the last two weeks, Raith Rovers aim to knock top flight Aberdeen out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on Wednesday evening at Pittodrie. It was just seven months ago that the Rovers travelled up to Aberdeen and knocked Mark McGhee's men out of the Scottish Cup.
          There's no doubt that McGhee will be more determined than ever to make sure that the result isn't repeated this time around.
          However, it won't be an easy task. Aberdeen played very defensive tactics against Motherwell on Saturday as they drew 1-1, because key players such as Peter Pawlett, Fraser Fyvie, Sone Aluko and Andrius Velicka were all missing through injury. It is likely that McGhee will be without all four of those players on Wednesday too.
          The Rovers still have long term absentees Dougie Hill and Mark Campbell on the sidelines, although Campbell played 45 minutes of the reserve game last week which is encouraging for the Kirkcaldy side.
          Mark's brother, Martyn recently spoke to Will Lyon, who was writing and reporting on behalf of the 200 Club. Martyn confirmed that his brother was still struggling after his car crash in February and is unlikely to feature against the Dons.          
          "He's got a wee bit to go. He's still taking it easy, trying to build it (His knee) up. It's been a long process but at the end of the day it's something you would take, he was very lucky!"
          Mark has been at the Rovers since 2006 and Martyn revealed that rumours of his brother joining him at Ayr United over a season ago were unfounded. "There was talk about that at one point because he does a lot of miles. But he decided he wanted to stay at Raith as he was enjoying it so much, the travelling wasn't much of an issue."

Players to watch........
Aberdeen - The Dons are suffering numerous injuries to their flair players at the moment, although former Rover Paul Hartley will be looking to dictate play in the middle of the park.
Raith Rovers - Obviously Gregory Tade will be the one to watch as the Frenchman scored the goal that knocked Aberdeen out of the cup last season. Meanwhile, at the back Grant Murray and Laurie Ellis will be determined to keep a sixth clean sheet in a row to help the Rovers progress to the next round.

Campbell's Car Crash Nightmare

Click here or read below for my interview with Martyn Campbell in relation to his brother's injury which he sustained in a car crash seven months ago.

It was published on The Away End. 

Campbell's Car Crash Nightmare

Two weeks from now, Raith Rovers will face Aberdeen at Pittodrie for the first time since they humilated The Dons with a 1-0 win in last year's Scottish Cup Fifth Round.

Mark Campbell

Mark Campbell, the stand in captain at the time for crocked midfielder Iain Davidson, was tragically hurt in a car crash just days before the replay fixture and could only cheer the famous Rovers victory from his hospital bed.

Seven months down the line it looks as if the big center half is likely to miss this CIS Cup Third Round fixture because he is still suffering from the injuries sustained in the accident.

Martyn Campbell

Martyn Campbell, a center half for Ayr United, explains his brother's fight for fitness to make the Aberdeen game.

"At the moment it doesn't look as if he'll be playing at the minute.

"He was just taking it week by week but then one of his knees was giving him a bit of pain so he went to see a specialist.”

The specialist's prognosis was to slow down the training that Mark was undertaking, which was a major set back as the 32-year-old felt he was just weeks away from first team football.

However, Martyn feels that his brother should just be thankful for his life after he was cut out of his car by emergency services after the accident.

“He's now just taking it easy and he's just light running and stuff.

“He'll be gutted (if he misses the Aberdeen game) as they're flying at the moment, but he was very lucky and at the end of the day it’s something you would take.”

Favourites

Despite their well known tendency to lose against lower league opposition, Aberdeen beat Second Division Alloa Athletic in the last round. A home tie against First Division Raith was their reward and there's no doubt that the SPL side are the favourites to progress in the competition.

Rovers beat local rivals East Fife in the first round, but they will take confidence from the fact that they have already taken one SPL scalp this season, after a 1-0 win over Hamilton Academical in the previous round.

Raith Rovers 1 v 0 Greenock Morton

Click here or read below for my match report of the Irn Bru First Division fixture between Raith Rovers and Greenock Morton which took place this afternoon. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Rovers Maintain 100% Record 

Tade slots home from close range

Raith Rovers continued their winning streak as they turned over Greenock Morton 1-0 at Starks Park this afternoon.

The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw until Gregory Tade slotted home six minutes from time.

The Morton players looked devastated at full time and probably deserved to take something from the match after a solid defensive performance.

Raith were the better team in the first half with two opportunities falling to John Baird early on. The home side almost took the lead on the 13th minute when Grant Murray hit an effort at goal from an Allan Walker corner but Colin Stewart was in the right place at the right time and pushed the ball away.


Minutes later, Morton had a good chance themselves but David McGurn palmed away Michael Tidser’s freekick.

The Kirkcaldy side proceeded to dominate large spells of the half. Walker saw his freekick saved while Mark Ferry and Baird narrowly missed the target with their efforts.


Despite dominating the opening period, Rovers should have gone into the break a goal down. Peter Weatherston passed a ball through to the unmarked Allan Jenkins on the penalty spot, but the midfielder couldn’t connect cleanly and McGurn saved.


The second half was a different story as Morton appeared to step up a gear. Ten minutes after the break Carlo Monti found himself in the way of a team-mate’s shot and fortunately for Rovers the rebound flashed wide of the post.

Morton continued to carve out the chances as Kean fired over the bar; Graeme Holmes found the side netting and McGurn saved a stinger from Weatherston.

The match started to become scrappy and looked set for a goalless draw until substitute Jamie Mole’s shot fell to Tade and the Frenchman sent the ball home from inside the box.


Three minutes later Mole was causing more problems as his shot from the edge of the box ended up just inches wide of the post.

Allan Moore pushed his players up the pitch but Raith held out for the win, meaning they have now picked up 12 points out of 12 on league business.

The defeat was Morton’s second of the season and the Greenock club sit just 1 point above Partick Thistle who occupy the relegation playoff place.

Meanwhile, Raith march on and remain 3 points clear of Fife rivals Dunfermline at the top of the league table where they will remain over the international break. However, John McGlynn’s side have two tricky away ties against Ross County and Dundee next and will have to keep working hard to maintain their position.

Raith Rovers 1 v 0 Hamilton Academical [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report of the Co-operative Insurance Cup Second Round fixture between Raith Rovers and Hamilton Academical. The match report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Ferry Sinks Accies

Mark Ferry scored the only goal of the game as First Division Raith knocked Premier League Hamilton out of the CIS Cup.

At one goal to the good Rovers had a chance to double their lead as Derek Lyle pulled Mark Ferry’s shirt in the box, but Gregory Tade saw his penalty saved by the leaping Tomas Cerny. 

Despite Hamilton manager Billy Reid urging his team up the pitch for a final crusade, Raith held strong and progressed to the third round.

It was the Lanarkshire side that came flying out of the traps in the first period and they should have taken an early lead when a deflected freekick fell to the unmarked Joel Thomas who narrowly missed the target.

The game began to even out with Marco Paixao keeping David McGurn busy in the Rovers goal, while Tade’s cross-come-shot flashed over the roof of Accies net, much to the relief of the stranded Cerny, and Baird also sent a shot wide of the target

Moments later, the Hamilton keeper’ did well to tip Allan Walker’s powerful freekick wide of the post, before Thomas missed another fantastic opportunity for Accies. Willie Dyer lost his footing as a cross arrived into the Rovers box, but Thomas headed over the bar from just six yards, meaning the sides headed into the break goalless.

This time it was the home team that started the half brighter. A corner on the 52nd minute was flicked on by Laurie Ellis before a succession of shots were fired towards goal. Ferry came the closest to scoring when 

Cerny did well to push his close range effort wide of the post.

Reid sensed his side were struggling and quickly subbed Thomas and Gary McDonald for the fresh legs of Grant Gillespie and Jon Routledge. One minute after their arrival Dougie Imrie found a way through the Rovers defence and hit a shot inches over the crossbar.

However, ten minutes later the Kirkcaldy side were causing more problems. Stephen Simmons played a delightful cross ball to Tade and the Frenchman cut inside supplying a powerful cross into the six yard box, only to see the sliding Walker hit the ball over the bar.

Ferry Connects To Put Rovers Ahead

Rovers were now well on top and the 68th minute Cerny parried a shot from the clean through Tade, but Ferry was on hand to blast the rebound into the back of the empty net.

The Starks Park side appeared to tire, yet Accies fans watched in despair as Flavio Paixao failed to connect with a deep Imrie cross and James McAllister fired wide in the box when he should have been hitting the target.

The contest appeared to be over on the 84th minute when referee Eddie Smith pointed to the spot after Ferry’s shirt was pulled in the box by substitute Lyle. However, Cerny saved Tade’s strike.

With only one goal in it, Reid pushed his team forward in the dying minutes but the closest they came to scoring was a 25-yard freekick from Imrie, which stung the palms of McGurn.

Hamilton’s losing run continues, however Rovers find themselves on a five game winning streak and will be looking to continue their rich vein of form on Saturday as they face Greenock Morton at Starks Park.

Picture © Jim Foy.

Written by Will Lyon

Raith Rovers 2 v 0 Dunfermline Athletic [Match Report]

Click here or read below for my match report of the Irn-Bru First Division fixture between Raith Rovers & Dunfermline Athletic. It was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Derby Day Delight For Rovers

Two second half goals in five minutes sent Raith Rovers three points clear at the top of the Scottish First Division this afternoon.

Substitute Iain Davidson broke the deadlock on the 73rd minute and just five minutes later Laurie Ellis doubled Rovers’ advantage to send the home side on their way to three points.

Dunfermline had a host of great opportunities in the first half but failed to take advantage and were punished by a determined Raith side, despite striker John Baird missing a penalty on the 49th minute.

It was the Starks Park side who dominated the first fifteen minutes of the match, but apart from an Iain Williamson header Rovers had nothing to show for their hard work.

Dunfermline started to see more of the ball and on the 23rd minute Nick Phinn had a great chance to put the away side ahead as he ran the length of the Rovers half, waltzing past the defence, but his effort wasn’t clinical and David McGurn made a comfortable save.

Minutes later, midfielder Stephen Simmons passed straight to Dunfermline’s Willie Gibson and McGurn was relieved to see the winger’s shot flash past his post.

Ellis had a shot saved by Chris Smith before Gibson was causing more problems with a dangerous corner on the 33rd minute. Rovers fans had Willie Dyer to thank as the full back kicked Andy Kirk’s goal-bound header off the line.

The Pars continued to press forward before the break, but Joe Cardle and Chris Higgins couldn’t make their shots count.

Raith started the second half with real desire and they were rewarded with a penalty on the 48th minute. Mark Ferry clipped a lovely ball through to John Baird who was brought down by the outrushing Smith. Baird, the First Division’s top goal scorer had his head in his hands moments later as Smith made amends for his mistake with a great save from the striker’s penalty kick.

Despite the disappointment of missing a golden opportunity, it didn’t seem to affect Rovers as they began to match their rivals in all areas of the pitch, but they again came close to losing a goal on the 70th minute when Phinn’s swerving effort clipped the crossbar.

Rovers punished Dunfermline for wasting their chances when just minutes later Davidson broke the deadlock. Allan Walker’s cross was bundled in by the club captain minute with one of his first touches of the ball.

Raith now had the momentum and just five minutes later they sealed the game with Walker the provider again. The midfielder’s corner was met by the onrushing Ellis and the ball rebounded off Smith and into the back of the net.

Dunfermline now looked demoralised and they should have been three goals down seven minutes before time. Substitute Jamie Mole did some great work down the right wing, slotting a great ball through two Dunfermline defenders, but with all the time and space in the world Gregory Tade scuffled the ball wide of the post.

In the end Tade’s miss didn’t matter and Rovers saw the match out to gain the three points. The win marked Rovers first league win over Dunfermline at Starks Park since the New Year derby in 2000.

Raith Rovers 4 v 0 Partick Thistle [Match Report]

Click Here for the link to my match report of the Irn Bru First Division fixture between Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle which took place this afternoon. The match report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Raith Rovers 4 v 1 East Fife [Match Report]

Click Here for the link to my match report of the Co-operative Insurance Cup first round fixture between Raith Rovers and East Fife which took place this afternoon. The match report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

Raith Rovers 0 v 5 Dundee United [Match Report]

Click Here for the link to my match report of the friendly fixture between Raith Rovers and Dundee United which took place this evening. The match report was published on the official Raith Rovers website.

The Season Ahead

Click on the picture below to read my preview of Raith Rovers forthcoming season in the Scottish First Division. It was published in The Rover, Raith Rovers' official matchday magazine.