There is a mood of positivity around Raith Rovers at the moment, despite being lower in the Scottish Championship than they would want.
The recent form is good, a club legend has returned to the club as the assistant manager and another fans’ favourite recently made his from injury at the weekend.
Ian Murray said recently that his side hadn’t taken the points their performance had deserved in some matches but they got the result the performance deserved on Saturday.
After that emphatic 3-0 victory over Partick Thistle, Courier Sport got the views of two Raith Supporters.
Up and down for all the right reasons
Carol Alison Smith
October 31 on a cold night in Burntisland, homework forgotten about, dinner demolished, everything was crossed that a neighbour could get the German sports channel!
Raith were playing Bayern in a European decider.
Forever the optimist and with Danny Lennon’s first-half goal, we were, for a half at least “back in Europe”.
🗓️ October 31st…
It’s Raith in Munich Day 🤩
27 years ago, Danny Lennon scored 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 free kick against Bayern Munich, a goal that was greeted by immense jubilation from the travelling Rovers fans
Send us your favourite memories/pics/vids from that day in ‘95‼️#YourRovers pic.twitter.com/ZplHcs8nYr
— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) October 31, 2022
Now living Barcelona, the feelings of excitement, anticipation, appreciation from 27 years ago are the same on game days.
Being able to access Raith TV and get coverage has been a Saturday savour for over 10 years, and the last game was one of those that I’m glad I didn’t miss.
(Although even after a loss you can’t help but feel a little glad and thankful you got to see the game.)
This season has felt, form a distance at least, a slow burner.
Something was coming we just needed “points and patience”. The Patrick game had plenty.
The cheer that celebrated Aidan Connolly’s “worldie” was probably heard on the other side of Barcelona.
Another screamer to add to Aidan Connolly's ever-growing collection 🎯#cinchChamp | @RaithRovers pic.twitter.com/ACWsRN0EmR
— SPFL (@spfl) October 31, 2022
The first half was some of the best this season for me, positive play and goals certainly got me off the sofa and to my feet.
Then the 85th minute brought something special, the return of Lewis Vaughan.
Over the years watching Raith from afar I’ve noticed that there are many different ways football can get you off the sofa.
The sharp jump at the possibility of a penalty, the leap for that wonder goal, the sound of an ovation only a chorus of Scottish football fans can provide at the return of a favourite.
Last week’s game was a wonderful sofa workout – all the ups and downs of the beautiful game!
Vaughan’s inspirational return
Andy Harrow
It’s not often that cheers for a substitution are just as loud and long as they are for a goal.
Lewis Vaughan’s return managed it, with the Rovers support giving it as much gusto as they had for any of the three strikes.
📸
Things you love to see 💙
What a wonderful weekend it has been😍#YourRovers pic.twitter.com/gfhSuQnCOE
— Raith Rovers Football Club (@RaithRovers) October 30, 2022
Emotions about his return after his fourth ACL injury are definitely mixed.
First, and foremost, there’s delight that Vaughan has once again beaten the odds and is back on the Stark’s Park pitch.
His career has been blighted by these injuries and for all his hard work and for all his talent, he deserves a much smoother run from here on in.
There’s also relief that he’s back. A squad short of natural goalscorers to date suddenly has one – and potentially one of the league’s best players – for the second half of the season.
Instead of a relegation battle, a fit Lewis Vaughan could help push Rovers towards a top-four spot.
But, amidst the positivity, there’s nervousness.
After all, Lewis has unfortunately been here before – three times. Every 50/50 tackle or sharp turn will elicit a sharp intake of breath until the injury becomes a distant memory.
We’ll be wishing him on all the way,hough.
His commitment and desire to play has been inspirational and hopefully he’ll be hearing the cheers from the crowd for a long time to come.
Conversation