Raith Rovers vs Partick Thistle preview - Mensing missing for Raith

Posted Tuesday, March 12, 2013 by PA

Raith look set to be without Simon Mensing (broken finger) for the third game running when title-chasing Partick visit.

Player-manager Grant Murray has been deputising for Mensing but he may drop out after Dougie Hill got some game time against Livingston at the weekend following a lengthy ban.

Murray is looking for his men to bounce back after their disappointing 2-0 defeat from the Lions on Saturday.

He said: "Partick will be well up for the game as they could go top with a win, but we will be well up for it as well.

"I am pleased that we are back in action so quickly as we can look to rectify things sooner rather than later."

Partick will make a late check on Paul Paton, who has an ankle problem, and Chris Erskine (back spasm) before finalising their team.

A win at Stark's Park would see the Glasgow side move a point ahead of Morton in the table with a further game in hand to come.

However, interim manager Alan Archibald knows any success will have to be earned.

Archibald said: "In our last visit there we needed an injury-time goal to draw and then at our place we needed a late winner after Raith had been in front earlier in the game.

"We will be under pressure to get a result but I'm sure the boys can handle that."