Raith Rovers kicked off their pre-season preparations in emphatic style on 1 July 2026, dismantling Edinburgh City 4-0 in an International Club Friendly at Stark's Park. The comprehensive victory gave the Kirkcaldy side a perfect start to their summer schedule, offering manager Ian Murray plenty of positives as the new campaign approaches.

Match Overview

The friendly, played on a warm summer evening in front of a healthy crowd, saw Raith take control from the opening whistle. Edinburgh City, a League Two side, struggled to contain the physicality and pace of their Championship hosts. The final scoreline of 4-0 reflected Raith's dominance across all departments, with goals spread throughout the match.

Key Moments

• First goal (15'): Sam Stanton fired home from close range after a corner was only partially cleared, giving Raith an early lead.
• Second goal (33'): Dylan Easton curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, doubling the advantage before half-time.
• Third goal (58'): Lewis Vaughan latched onto a through ball from Aidan Connolly and slotted past the City goalkeeper with composure.
• Fourth goal (77'): Substitute Jack Hamilton headed in from a cross by Ethan Ross to round off the scoring.

Tactical Story

Raith Rovers set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, pressing high and forcing Edinburgh City into early errors. The midfield trio of Shaun Byrne, Ross Matthews, and Sam Stanton controlled the tempo, allowing the wide players to exploit space behind the full-backs. Edinburgh City attempted to play out from the back but were repeatedly caught in possession, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.

Defensively, Raith were resolute. Centre-backs Tom Lang and Ryan Nolan dealt comfortably with the occasional City counter-attack, while goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski had a largely quiet evening. The shutout will please Murray, who has emphasised defensive solidity as a priority for the upcoming Championship season.

Standout Performers

Sam Stanton was the engine room, not only scoring the opener but also covering every blade of grass in midfield. Dylan Easton's set-piece delivery caused constant problems, and his free-kick goal was a moment of real quality. Up front, Lewis Vaughan continued his pre-season form with a well-taken effort, looking sharp after recovering from injury issues last term.

Context and Next Steps

This friendly was Raith Rovers' first of the 2026 pre-season, and the result will build confidence ahead of tougher tests against higher-level opposition. Edinburgh City, meanwhile, will take lessons from the defeat as they build towards their own League Two campaign. The match also served as an opportunity for trialists to stake their claim, with several featuring in the second half.

For Raith supporters, the 4-0 scoreline offers a glimpse of the attacking potential Murray is aiming to harness. With the new Championship season just weeks away, this emphatic win in the International Club Friendly sets a promising tone for the months ahead.