Why this has happened is a mystery. Most Saints fans agreed before the season that, with a few exceptions, we had put together a useful squad capable of doing something. Certainly no one expected to see us in a relegation battle for the fourth season in a row, but that is what we find ourselves in just ten games into the season. The squad we put together are currently the only side to drop points to the woeful Brechin City side who sit bottom of the division. Why? We have good, experienced defenders, great midfielders and some half decent strikers, not to mention an outstanding goalkeeper. So why on earth do we find ourselves situated just a few goals, not points but goals, outside the relegation zone.
Injuries have certainly played a part, but with Paul McKnight and Kevin Twaddle thats no surprise. Everyone knew before they were signed they would bve injured and, sure enough, they have been. If we knew they'd miss a large number of games, how on earth didn't John Coughlin? McKnight and Twaddle are likely to be missing tomorrow, as are John O'Neill and Eddie Annand. Hugh Murray, Kirk Broadfoot and Barry Lavety are all rated as doubtful, whilst Simon Lappin is definitely out, along with youngsters David Jack and Graham McWilliam.
Diving cheats sums up Raith's squad fairly well, thanks in part to the large number of foreignors they have. Their goalkeeper is an absolute disgrace, rolling about injured whenever someone goes within a twenty mile radius of him. It gave me g reat delight when Ross County hammered seven past him a few weeks ago, though I'd setlle for one from us tomorrow!
As I said, it's a must win game but I don't see us winning. Instead I see Raith, who are better away from home than at Starks park, easily disposing of us and taking the three points.