Raith Rovers vs Hamilton FC preview - Murray adds weight to Bairns' hopes

Posted Saturday, August 11, 2012 by PA

Raith player/manager Grant Murray will include himself in a full-strength squad for the opening game of the season at home against Hamilton.

After exciting cup wins over Wick Academy and Berwick Rangers, which saw 13 goals scored, Murray is hoping his strikers can maintain their current form, while his defenders can tighten up.

Murray said: "To score four goals two games running is great, but we're conceding too many for my liking.

"It's fantastic that the strikers are in confident mood, but we need to tighten up and not be looking to having to score four times to win a game.

"We are at home and we need to use that advantage to get our season off to a good start."

Hamilton captain Alex Neil looks set to take his place in midfield following his return from injury against Annan last weekend.

Striker Kieran Miller is the only absentee due to a knee injury, while manager Billy Reid has told his players to be ready for a different type of test.

Reid said: "We've had two cup ties at home so far this season where we've seen a lot of the ball, but this game will be different.

"Raith will be looking to be on top with lots of possession and we need to be able to handle that.

"We're a young side who are learning all the time, but we're looking forward to the challenge and we're ready for it."