Stirling Albion:- Hogarth, Hay (Taggart 83), Devine, McNally (Graham 60), Roycroft, Aitken, Bell, Fraser (Wilson 83), Harty, Coyne and O’Brien. Unused Subs:- Tomana and Christie.

Raith Rovers:- Fahey, Wilson, Pelosi, (Fotheringham 83), Campbell, Andrews, Lumsden, Davidson, Silvestro, McManus, McLauchlin (Fairbairn 70) and Kilgannon (Bonar 60). Unused Subs:- Halley and Currie.

The Binos’ preparation for the match against Raith Rovers was less than ideal as they attempted to get their title challenge back on track following the defeat at Stranraer and the draw at Alloa. With Shields’ loan period at an end, the injury to Cashmore and Cramb’s suspension, the Binos went into this match with no recognised strikers on the books. However, a few frantic phone calls resulted in 2 trialists forming the strike force, The names should be familiar to football fans as Tommy Coyne is the son of the striker of the same name, a player who can list Celtic as one of his clubs, whilst Ian Harty is a very experienced player. Ironically, Harty was with today’s opponents before being released so, no doubt, he would have an extra incentive to do well.

Following last week’s defeat to Inverness in the Scottish Cup, the Binos’ boss decided to ring the changes. Tomana and Graham were relegated to the bench with Roycroft partnering McNally at the centre of defence and Devine coming in for Forsyth.

Despite the heavy rain and strong winds which had battered the area for the past week, the pitch was in remarkably good condition. However, the rain which started to fall prior to kick off steadily got heavier and, in the end, the match became a bit of a lottery. The Binos had the wind in their favour in the first half though it was Raith who dominated the opening period. However, the Binos did have the ball in the net in the 16th minute courtesy of Coyne but Harty was adjudged to have been offside when he collected Bell’s pass. The Binos then had 3 corners in quick succession as they tried to take advantage of the wind but they came to nothing whilst Hogarth failed to hold a long range effort from McManus. Fortunately, the keeper was able to collect the ball when it fell into the muddy goalmouth.

Aitken then sent in a dangerous inswinging free kick which glanced off Harty’s head. As half time approached, a cross from the left found Campbell unmarked in the 18 yard box but his header was gathered by Hogarth. Right on half time, O’Brien got past the full back but went down in the box. However, the referee showed no interest in awarding a penalty which would have been very soft and the teams went into the interval all square.

It was obvious that conditions during the interval were getting worse and there must have been some doubt as to whether the match could continue. However, the teams did emerge with the officials sporting a change of kit from yellow to blue.

Both teams continued where they left off, trying to play passing football, but the ball was starting to hold up in the surface water. The Binos had a great chance to take the lead when Bell drove into the box but he took the ball too far and both Coyne and O’Brien failed to make use of the cut back. Just after the hour mark, Coyne almost scored at the wrong end when the ball came off his head following a corner from the right. Hogarth then twice denied McManus.

In the 70th minute an Aitken free kick skimmed the top of the bar. 5 minutes later, Raith took the lead when Bonar followed up a goalmouth scramble to drive the ball low into the corner. 1-0 to Raith. 2 minutes later, Hogarth saved Davidson’s low free kick.

With minutes remaining, the Binos threw on the wingers to try and salvage a point but, despite 4 minutes of injury time, and several chances, the referee blew his whistle to signal Raith’s the Binos’ obvious first win at Forthbank.

Great credit must go to both teams for trying to play entertaining football in dreadful conditions but a Rovers victory was always on the cards considering the Binos’ obvious problems up front.

Allan Moore now has a week in which to come up with a team capable of getting something from a difficult trip to Cappielow to try and narrow the gap at the top of the table. Coyne looked a useful player but the rumour is that he is going to Dundee for a trial so his signing for the Binos might be a long shot. Harty was a disappointment and it would be a major surprise if he makes another appearance in a red shirt. This makes the signing of a striker an absolute necessity, even if it means the boss running up a huge telephone bill.

There were 3 bookings, all for Binos’ players. McNally for appearing to dispute the spot of a free kick, and Fraser and Bell for fouls.

Next up is the trip to Greenock where Morton have opened up a 9 point gap at the top of the table. The Binos battled to win a point on their last visit and a repeat is a necessity. See you there.