Simmons to fill Mole hole

Posted Sunday, January 02, 2011 by PA

Raith will be without striker Jamie Mole and defender Dougie Hill for the home clash with Dunfermline.

Mole has returned to Hearts following the end of his loan spell and Hill is still struggling with injury, but Steven Simmons came through a substitute appearance against Falkirk in midweek unscathed and could start.

Full-back Craig Wilson has recovered from a recent illness, but may still miss out.

Manager John McGlynn said: "We've had two clean sheets in a row so I'm not contemplating many changes.

"It's been shaping up as pretty much a top-of-the-table clash for a number of weeks now.

"Dunfermline are four points clear, but we have a game in hand so it's all the makings of a great game."

Dunfermlinewill be without five players as Greg Paterson, Jack Ross, Alex Burke and Steven Bell all remain sidelined through injury.

Winger Willie Gibson is ill, but is suspended anyway, so teenager Paul Willis is expected to keep his place following a fine display in the 5-0 win over Cowdenbeath on Wednesday.

Manager Jim McIntyre said: "Paul was fantastic the other evening and took his chance to impress me very well.

"We're contenders at this stage, nothing else, and this game is for the same three points as other games are, so there is no point in getting overly excited."