Raith Rovers vs Morton – Match Preview 

by Dean McKinnon 

The Ton are on the road for the first time this season, travelling to Fife to take on free spending Raith Rovers. Dougie Imrie’s men performed with aplomb in the season opening 3-1 win against Ayr United, and with two home games following on from Saturday’s trip to the east coast, a positive result could have a massive impact on Morton’s first quarter.  

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Squad News 

Cammy Blues will make a welcome return to the fold, and once again may be utilised as a makeshift right back, despite Lewis McGrattan’s stellar effort at full back against Ayr. The energetic midfielder missed last week’s impressive win after picking up two bookings on the final day of last season at Cove. 

Defender Jack Baird and goalkeeper Ryan Mullen look set to miss Saturday’s tie. Question marks remain over the fitness of attackers George Oakley and Jai Quitongo, who were both withdrawn from the action on Saturday carrying knocks. Oakley appeared to be struggling with his calf in the second half, and Quitongo appeared to hurt his shoulder after the questionable clash with Andy Murdoch at the end of the first half. 

Current Connections 

Nobody in the current Raith Rovers squad has plied their trade in Inverclyde. In what may be the most commonly used sentence in our match previews – assistant manager Andy Millen represented our opponents - making eighteen appearances for the Fifers in 1997.  

Jamie MacDonald is a well kent face around Kirkcaldy, having spent the previous two seasons as Raith’s custodian. The Hearts youth graduate joined John McGlynn at the Fifers, making fifty-one league appearances during his time at the club.  

Club captain and experienced midfielder Grant Gillespie spent the 2018/19 season with Raith, having been recruited by former Morton defender Barry Smith.  

Tale of the Tape  

The Ton had the slight upper hand in the league meetings between the sides last term, claiming two wins and a draw. Raith secured the first win of the season on Matchday 3, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Liam Dick and Aidan Connolly. The Ton won 1-0 on Matchday 11 in dramatic fashion, with skipper Grant Gillespie netting a 93rd minute penalty. Raith then progressed into the Semi Finals of the SPFL Trust Trophy, after the 1-1 encounter was decided on penalties. The Ton fought back from two goals down to claim a point on Matchday 18. Raith raced ahead via an own goal from loanee goalkeeper from Brian Schwake and Aidan Connolly, before Jack Baird and Robbie Muirhead restored parity. Alex King proved the hero on Matchday 34, with his second minute header keeping all three points in Greenock. 

The Ton’s last victory in Kirkcaldy came in April 2022, with Robbie Muirhead’s stunning solo goal the difference between the sides, knocking the ball around a hapless Kyle Benedictus before blasting into the corner of Jamie MacDonald’s net. 

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Opposition Analysis  

Ian Murray’s men will look towards Aidan Connolly to provide goals again this season, with the hitman finding the net on ten occasions in the Championship last term. The Fifers will be buoyed by their late comeback on the opening day of the league season, with goals in the last ten minutes from Dylan Easton and Kieran Mitchell claiming a point at Firhill.  

The League Cup proved fruitful for Saturday’s hosts, despite an opening day penalty shoot-out loss to rivals Dunfermline. This was rectified via wins against Albion Rovers and Annan, as well as besting Premiership side Kilmarnock on penalties to secure passage to the Second Round, where Raith will travel to the capital to take on Hibs. 

What’s Happening Elsewhere? 

Queens Park host Arbroath in what I’m sure will be the first of many sell outs at Queens' new ‘stadium’. Two Championship newcomers square off as Dundee United welcome Dunfermline to Tannadice. Ayr will look to claim their first points of the season as they clash with Inverness at Somerset Park, with Partick traveling to face Airdrieonians at The Excelsior Stadium. 

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Betting Guide  

All match odds are supplied by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 12noon on 10th August 2023. Please only bet within your means and visit BeGambleAware if you are struggling.  

There isn’t much between the sides, with the hosts pegged at 13/8 to retain all three points. The draw is priced at 9/4, with Dougie Imrie’s men 29/20 to come out on top.  

Goalscoring midfielder Robbie Crawford is 4/1 to find the net at any time during the contest – a very generous offering given his goalscoring start to the season. If you fancy a more outlandish bet, striker Robbie Muirhead is chalked at 20/1 to score in both halves.  

Match Officials  

Referee - David Munro 

AR1 - Colin Drummond 

AR2 - Cameron Telfer