Raith Rovers vs Queen's Park: A Championship Showdown
In a much-anticipated return to the weekend schedule, Raith Rovers will host Queen's Park in the Scottish Championship. The match, scheduled for January 23, 2026, marks Queen's Park's first Saturday fixture of the new year, following a three-week hiatus due to postponements.
Long-Awaited Debut for Callum Smith
Callum Smith, who joined Queen's Park this season, is poised to make his competitive debut against his former club, Raith Rovers. The forward has been cup-tied in both the KDM Evolution Trophy and the Scottish Cup, and previous fixture cancellations have kept him from featuring for the Spiders. This match presents a unique opportunity for Smith to finally step onto the pitch for his new team.
Queen's Park's Recent Form
Despite the lack of weekend action, Queen's Park has maintained a solid form, losing just once in the last eight 90-minute games. Their recent performances have been commendable, with a notable victory at Stranraer, even though they fell to a penalty shootout defeat in the Scottish Cup.
Sean Crighton's Strategy
Head coach Sean Crighton is eager to capitalize on this form and push his team up the table. With a backlog of fixtures to come, a strong performance against Raith Rovers could provide the momentum needed for the remainder of the season. Crighton's focus will be on maintaining the positive run and securing crucial points.
Raith Rovers' Current Standing
Under the management of Dougie Imrie, Raith Rovers have shown mixed results. The team is currently on a two-game losing streak but remains seven points ahead of Queen's Park, who have three games in hand. Imrie has overseen four wins and three draws in his first ten games at the helm, indicating a steady but not unbroken progress.
Head-to-Head Encounters
The two teams have a rich history of encounters, with their last meeting on November 8, 2025, ending in a 2-1 victory for Queen's Park. Key goalscorers for the Spiders include Josh Fowler with 18 goals, while for Raith Rovers, Mikey Ruth scored the opener during their last trip to Stark's Park. These statistics highlight the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Match Details and Fan Information
Queen's Park supporters will be seated in the North Stand at Stark's Park, with parking available at Beveridge Park. Fans are reminded that flags and drums are allowed but subject to inspection, and telescopic poles and loudhailers are prohibited. A bucket collection will take place at the stadium, and tickets are priced as follows:
- Adult: £22
- Senior Citizen (Over 65): £14
- Under 21: £13
- Disabled: Priced as per age group
- Under 16: £8
- Under 12: FREE with paying adult
Tickets can be purchased in advance and scanned at the turnstiles or from a smartphone. With the match already generating significant interest, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
Looking Ahead
Beyond this league encounter, Queen's Park will face Raith Rovers again in the KDM Evolution Trophy quarter-final. However, Callum Smith will be unavailable for that match due to cup-tie regulations, making this Saturday's game even more critical for his development and integration into the team.
Season So Far
The season has been a rollercoaster for both teams, with Raith Rovers managing to secure several victories under their new manager, while Queen's Park has shown resilience despite the challenges posed by fixture congestion. The upcoming match is not just a test of skill and strategy but also an opportunity for both teams to reflect on their season's journey so far.
As the teams prepare to take the field, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this encounter unfolds. With key player debuts and high stakes, the Raith Rovers vs Queen's Park match promises to be a highlight of the Championship season.
