DUMBARTON boss Ian Murray has made a case for the defence being his priority ahead of today's must win match against Raith Rovers.

The fifth-placed Sons remain three points off the fourth and final SPFL Premiership promotion play-off slot occupied by Queen of the South, who have played a game less than Murray's men.

In Dumbarton's three games with Ramsdens Cup-winning Rovers they have shipped an astonishing nine goals and have yet to beat Raith in any of their previous encounters this term.

And Murray was in no mood to mess about, as he outlined what he expects of his side at Kirkcaldy today.

The Sons boss said: "The bottom line is that our defending has just not been good enough this season against Raith.

"To have conceded nine goals in three games against one side is not acceptable and we must make sure we are a lot tighter at the back.

"Obviously they have some excellent attacking players like Joe Cardle but it is up to us to make sure we do not give them the time or the space to hurt us."

Murray added: "At this stage in the season the target is to try and win every one of our last four games and ask as many questions of Queen of the South, in the run-in, as we can.

"Given that Raith is the game in front of us we have made sure we have not looked beyond that and we know that they will have taken a huge lift from their Ramsdens Cup triumph over Rangers."

Defender Mark Miller is a big doubt for the trip to Starks Park.