‘Great achievement’ hailed by Vaughan

IRN-BRU CUP: In-form striker says Raith were ‘different class’ in victory over St Mirren

Raith star Lewis Vaughan is focused on promotion to the Championship despite helping his side reach the quarter-finals of the Irn-bru Cup.

Vaughan maintained his prolific scoring form with the equaliser as Rovers came from behind to stun Saints.

Having had a part in the Dumbarton side which condemned Raith to their eventual relegation last year, Vaughan has vowed to help Rovers return to where he believes they belong.

He said: “We need to concentrate on this season and get the club back to where they belong.

“It was difficult last season when I was at Dumbarton and I couldn’t really help the club. The manager didn’t want me so I had to look after number one.

“I’ve never had a full season here without injuries or being out on loan, and I feel this season I can do that and show my quality.

“The league is the main priority. The club needs to go back up, there is no two ways about it,” he said.

“To come away with a win against a St Mirren team who are top of the Championship is a great achievement for the club.

“They have Championship quality so we had to be on the top of our game today.

“Scoring is a bonus but the lads were different class from the back and we definitely got our rewards in the end.”

Rovers went a goal behind after 63 minutes when Gavin Reilly opened the scoring from close range.

Vaughan pegged the home side back within one minute as he drove forward before arrowing a shot into the far corner.

Vaughan then assisted Greig Spence after 73 minutes as the striker drilled the ball home from inside the six-yard box.

Bobby Barr capped off a fine team performance with a superb looping strike from the edge of the area.

Rovers boss Barry Smith declared: “The league is our priority but you want to do well in any cup competition you enter.

“I’m delighted with the performance. The heads didn’t go down when we went behind.”

Saints gaffer Jack Ross was left disappointed after giving fringe players a platform to perform.

He said: “For the first hour of the game there is only one team in it, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that.

“And then we score and the last halfhour we are poor.

“The problem for us, and it’s been the problem all season, is defending properly. We can’t continue to defend like that.”

The heads didn’t go down when we went behind. BARRY SMITH

Picture: SNS. Lewis Vaughan celebrates after making it 1-1 and setting Raith on the road to victory.