HUNTLY FC 3-3 RAITH ROVERS FC

CHRISTIE PARK

3RD JULY 04

FRIENDLY

MATCH REPORT BY STUART WILLIAMSON

Claude Anelkas first match in charge of Raith Rovers  ended in a draw against highland outfit Huntly, altough Rovers should have taken all three points. Despite what seems like a poor scoreline, several positives can be taken from the game. Numbers 9, 12, 8, 5, and 7 (dont know names yet;) ), all put in solid performances. Paquito was just too good, and had a walk in the park, while Darren Brady was as solid as ever.  Le Rovers got a scare early on though. Huntlys No 9 headed past the helpless goalie from a free kick, only to see the assistant ref Morag Pirie(Hetherstons Friend ;)) with her flag raised.  From then on, Rovers had the bulk of the possesion, but as usual they could not find the killer touch.  Joe Mcalpine who was signed from Queen of the South, was causing Huntly havoc down the left wing, putting in several good balls which were well dealt with by the home sides defence. Rovers finally got the break five minutes before half time. A cross from the right was not dealt with, and Raiths Number 9 slotted home.  A second goal was to come moments later. Number 5 (Sorry about this numbers thing) chased what seemed to be a lost cause and delivered a quality ball for Number 9 to send a bullet header past the helpless goalie. 

HT- ROVERS 2-0 HUNTLY

Raith made several changes after the break, most noticably Betherlot coming on for the new keeper, who had little to do. Betherlot on the other hand, was too busy.  Substitute No 12 added a third for Rovers with a great strike. He picked up the ball about 25 yards out from goal, skinned two players, cut inside, and unleashed a great shot to beat the helpless huntly goalie. Then came what appeared to be the fourth goal, but it wasnt. 12 charged down on a poor backpass, disposessed the keeper, and slotted home. Strangely, the linesman had flagged for a goal kick to Raith, and the ref never noticed. Then came the all too familiar collapse. Huntly No 9 Richard Stainer, charged down the wing and crossed the ball in, only to see it beat Betherlot at his near post!. Stainer got his second moments later. He made an impressive run into the box, and was impeded by Jonathon Smart. The ref showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot.  Stainer calmly slooted past Betherlot. Rovers were looking jaded while Huntly could sense the equaliser. They got it moments later. A cross from the right missed everyone, only for Stainer to take control and smash a great shot past the helpless Betherlot. Raith almost got a shock winner at the end though. Substitute Lloyd Young beat several players, before unleashing a wild left foot shot which went well wide.

Overall, despite the result, there is cause to be optimistic. Several players impressed, especially No9 and Joe Mcalpine. And also, it was a short journey down the road for the Aberdeen Rovers, for a change.