Managers comment after call off

26/07/14: "It was a freak thunderstorm really and probably because of the firmness of the pitch, the water just didn't drain away quick enough

After a pre match downpour, Jim Jefferies was disappointed that the Petrofac Training Cup first round tie against Raith Rovers never kicked off:-

"It was a freak thunderstorm really and probably because of the firmness of the pitch, the water just didn't drain away quick enough. Everybody made an effort to do that but the referee allowed as much time as possible. He said that he would inspect at half past three. You could see as he tried to pass the ball that it would become dangerous and he has got to think of the players first.

"It is a shame because the crowd was in and it was all geared for a good game. Grant and I wanted it on Tuesday, then there seemed to be a wee change of mind on their side but it is the Police who made the decision. Both clubs could have made it on Tuesday but the Police have stepped in and blamed it on the Commonwealth Games.

"My answer to that was the Commonwealth Games were on today but they said 'yes but we have had two weeks to plan for the game today' which is a fair reply. A lot of Police were in here from other areas so he said they will all being used on Tuesday night and I will need another week to organise it so that there are enough Police here to do it."

Subject to confirmation the match will go ahead on Tuesday 5th August. "If we don't have the Police it cannot go ahead."

Raith Rovers manager Grant Murray commented:-

"At the end of the day, the referee has the decision to make and you could see the water that came fell in such a short period of time and the amount that was lying on the pitch. That makes it difficult. Credit to the players and the ground staff of Dunfermline. They tried their best to get it on but at the end of the day Steven McLean said that he had to look at the safety of the players.

"That is the rain back on again so there is nothing we can do.

"We were looking forward to this game since the draw was made. There has been a big bit of publicity with us being the holders and then going straight into a Fife derby. The game has still to be played; both teams going into the hat come Tuesday. We will look forward to the game when it comes around.

"We wanted the game on today, first and foremost because we were prepared for the game. Whether we have players back, I cannot tell you at this moment in time but I am sure Dunfermline will be in the same position. They will have knocks at this time of the year after pre-season."

www.petrofactrainingcup.com