Raith Rovers will look to move on from their disappointment of losing their grip on the Petrofac Training Cup in midweek by opening up their Championship campaign with a win over Dumbarton at Stark’s Park.
The Kirkcaldy side lost 1-0 to Dunfermline on Tuesday to lose hold of the silverware they won against Rangers in April and manager Grant Murray reckons that the visit of the Sons will lift the atmosphere at his club.
Murray said: “It is always disappointing to lose any game but to lose one to your local rivals in a cup that you worked hard to win was really disappointing.
“We had chances when the score was 0-0 and never took them. We then paid a heavy price when Ross Millen scored a wonder goal.
“We could analyse and analyse about what went wrong but it will not change anything so we will move on. We are now looking to defeat Dumbarton and get our league campaign off to a good start.”
Murray will be treating the visitors with the same approach that games against the ‘Big 3’ in the Championship will be getting this season as he explained: “Dumbarton have been given the same respect and the same level of preparation as we would for a game with Rangers, Hearts or Hibs.
“It would be wrong to give them any less as they had a terrific season last time out when they finished above us in the table.
“They are a side that can score a lot of goals and have strengthened but we have Grant Anderson and Calum Elliot back in our ranks after bans so we carry a goal threat as well.
“It would be great to move on from the disappointment of East End Park by picking up three points.”
While Anderson and Elliot return and Kevin Moon is available after a knock, injuries continue to rule out Dougie Hill and Craig Barr.
Sons boss Ian Murray reckons that Raith will view the game against his side as the perfect opportunity to start their Championship season with a bang.
Murray said: “I would reckon that before the fixtures were announced Raith were looking to avoid Rangers, Hearts and Hibs on the opening day and play one of the part-time sides at home.
“They will now obviously look upon this one as a chance to get over their defeat to Dunfermline. It is up to us to make sure we do not allow Raith to get things their own way.”
Murray added: “This game represents a step up from us after playing Stranraer and Brechin away in the cups.
“We were disappointing in the second half at Stair Park and lost, however we controlled the game at Brechin last weekend with an improved performance.
“We need to improve again to take something home from this game.”
Dumbarton have Mark McLaughlin available after a thigh injury with the only absentee being goalkeeper Jamie Ewings, who has an ankle problem.