Raith Rovers vs Ross County preview - Double blow for Rovers

Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by PA

Leaders Raith look set to be without Laurie Ellis and Iain Williamson for their clash with Ross County.

The duo are injured for the encounter, providing a major blow for manager John McGlynn who knows his side need to win to ensure they remain at the summit.

McGlynn said: "There are tricky games all over the country just now and if we are going to stay up there this is a game that we have to win.

"The spirit and workrate of the players has taken us to the top and I sure it will continue as we face a lot of hard games starting with a Ross County side that will be desperate to bounce back after losing at the weekend."

Ross County make the trip with a virtually clean bill of health.

Long-term absentee Darren McCormack remains sidelined and Stuart Kettlewell is suspended, but, otherwise, manager Jimmy Calderwood has no worries.

Calderwood is still smarting from Saturday's 2-1 reverse that left County, who have secured only one win in 14 games, in the relegation play-off place.

He said: "I am looking for a much sharper performance against Raith as I was really disappointed with what I saw against Queen of the South.

"We need to be stronger on the ball and win more 50/ 50 challenges and generally just be up for it more than we were in that game.

"We had been making progress but slipped back on Saturday."