Raith Rovers boss Grant Murray has paid tribute to the contribution of his hot-shot strikeforce of Pat Clarke and Brian Graham.
The deadly pairing have scored five goals between them in the Kirkcaldy side’s opening competitive matches against Wick in the Ramsdens Cup and Berwick in last Saturday’s rollercoaster 4-3 win in the League Cup.
However, while delighted with their contribution so far, Murray has warned them they cannot afford to rest on their laurels with summer signing Greig Spence waiting in the wings to seize his chance.
The manager said: ”Saturday wasn’t a game to be enjoyed from the sidelines, going behind three times.
”But we are in the next round of the cup which is the important thing.
”Great credit to the lads though as they had to dig deep and stand up and be counted. Those qualities should hold us in good stead this season.
”It is also about confidence. The two strikers scored again this week which is great from their point of view.
”I don’t really want to judge them against other teams saying my strikeforce is better than any other in the league but I am definitely very happy with the strikers I have at my disposal.
”We had Greig Spence coming off the bench on Saturday as well and he gives us a completely different option.
”He is really lively and is a great finisher but he has had to be patient because of the way the guys who have the jerseys are playing just now.
”They are banging the goals in and I can’t ask for any more from Pat and Brian.
”Strikers are judged on goals. Yes, we want them to play well but strikers themselves will tell you it is goals that count.”
While delighted with the amount of goals scored, it is the three conceded against Berwick that have ensured Murray’s players will be working hard on the training paddock this week.
He said: ”Every manager will tell you that if you can keep clean sheets you will win games.
”It is an old clich but it is what you look to do in every match.
”So we will certainly look to tighten up from Saturday.
”We are no different from any other team – if we lose goals then we will want to work on that and attempt to eradicate it.
”So, we will be doing that for the rest of the week.”