Suspended skipper misses Partick test

Posted Saturday, August 07, 2010 by PA

Raith Rovers captain Iain Davidson will begin the new season sidelined for his side's clash with Partick Thistle.

The midfielder is suspended and will serve a two-match ban, starting with the visit of Thistle.

Defender Mark Campbell is also missing as he continues his recovery from a car crash he experienced nearly six months ago.

The Kirkcaldy men were undefeated against Partick last season but manager John McGlynn insists that counts for little.

He said: "We drew two and won two against them last season but that does not count for anything this time out. We made a really good start to our campaign a year ago and that was fundamental to staying up and that has to be our aim again for this season."

Partick are without long term absentees Alan Archibald and Jackie McNamara.

The defenders are suffering from lengthy injury lay-offs and the club are trying to add Hearts defender Conrad Balatoni to their ranks in time for kick off.

Assistant manager Ian Maxwell said: "The deal is not done yet but it might happen in time for the Raith Rovers game."

The Jags have defeated Clyde and Annan on cup duty so far this season and Maxwell is determined that their league campaign gets off to a good start as well.

He added: "We have a bit of momentum after the two cup wins and we want to keep that going although this will be a tight game."