Raith Rovers v Partick Thistle
Starks Park, Kirkcaldy
Saturday 16th January 2009
Referee- Euan Norris
Attendance: 1950approx
by Tom Hogg
Thistle arrived in Kirkcaldy as the snow disappeared and at the end of ninety eminently forgettable minutes, the more than 700 fans who had made the journey were left wishing that the Arctic conditions had persisted for a wee bit longer.
Late illness call offs for Lovell, Adams (in what would have been his last appearance) and Maxwell left a depleted squad but the team still lined up as a 4-4-2 despite the inclusion of utility defender Greig Shields in the starting line up. Shields took up a post to the left of Rowson in midfield with the other new loanee Ryan Conroy slotting in at left back. Archibald moved to the centre and Liam Buchanan started alongside Donnelly up front.
Thistle started the brighter of the two but Rovers were first to threaten after only five minutes when a set piece from deep was flicked on towards Tade who headed wide. Shortly after Corcoran was put under pressure at the edge of his own box but the ball was smuggled away without any real threat arising. However by the twelfth minute Thistle were looking more in control and Donnelly was fouled near the edge of the box after he collected an incisive Rowson pass with his back to goal. As the anticipation rose in the away stand, Sid stepped up and blasted the ball high over the bar. Read More »