Barr and Stewart wrap up raucous Fife derby

CHAMPIONSHIP

THIS was a renewal of these hostilities for the first time in the league for nearly three and a half years, but every witness to Raith Rovers’ raucously celebrated triumph will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this Fife rivalry.

It was everything a derby should be – high-tempo, full-blooded, end-to-end and packed with incident in front of a noisy crowd. In the end, second-half goals from Bobby Barr and substitute Mark Stewart separated the warring factions and ensured bragging rights remained with the Kirkcaldy home side.

Much has happened since the last league meeting, most notably the Pars’ descent into administration just days after that 1-1 draw in March 2013. There have been Challenge Cup encounters to whet the appetite of those for whom this rivalry stirs the traditions of local enmity. However, one happy consequence of Dunfermline’s welcome return to the Championship is the restoration of this fixture on a regular basis.

Rovers manager Gary Locke has savoured many Edinburgh derbies as a supporter, player and manager through the years but was thrilled with how this version from over the Forth panned out for his side, who remain top of the second tier with a perfect record, and for the supporters in a passionate crowd of over 5000.

“We let it be a derby,” said Locke, whose long-standing friendship with opposite number Allan Johnston was set aside for the duration of a frenetic 90 minutes. “So I asked them to show a bit more composure on the ball, but I’ve been involved in derbies myself and they’re hectic, 100 miles an hour.

“But once the game slowed down, we showed we can pass the ball and we’re a good side. The two goals were great. I’m absolutely delighted for our supporters.”

An ugly stramash marred a firsthalf in which referee Alan Muir was forced to reach for the cards five times. It was the stretching arms of both keepers that kept the match in stalemate when the half-time whistle sounded, though.

Aaron Lennox, the Raith goalkeeper on loan from Aberdeen, spent most of the game limping with a hamstring injury and unable to take his own goal-kicks, but the Australian managed to tip Kallum Higginbotham’s curling free-kick over his bar in the 27th minute. Eight minutes later, it was the turn of opposite number David Hutton, who turned over Lewis Vaughan’s swerving set-piece.

Vaughan was one of a handful of skilful attacking forces trying to bring their artistry to the maelstrom. It was no surprise the 20-year-old was involved in the 71st-minute opener, winning the ball in midfield and setting Raith off on a lightning-quick attack. But winger Barr was the hero, cutting in from his right-wing beat and finding the bottom corner with a left-foot drive that could not be denied by Hutton’s left hand.

Eight minutes later, it was the Kirkcaldy side who knew they could claim supremacy. Stewart still had plenty to do when the ball was shuttled to him on the edge of the area but a lovely feint sent Ben Richards-Everton sprawling and the finish from 20 yards out, curving into the top corner, was stunning.

I asked them to show a bit more composure on the ball, but derbies are hectic, 100 miles an hour