The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Raith Rovers’ title hopes are dented by defeat at Forfar
FORFAR V RAITH: Deserved win as Weir’s men outplay and outfight leaders at Station Park
FORFAR ATHLETIC 2 RAITH ROVERS 1
Forfar stung League One leaders Raith Rovers with a deserved win under the floodlights at Station Park.
A second-half double from Matty Aitken earned the three points to push them further away from Queen’s Park and Albion Rovers at the foot of League One, at the same time leaving Barry Smith’s side without a win in four matches.
Forfar took the game to Raith from the off and put in a performance as different as night and day from Saturday’s defeat in the Angus derby.
After eight minutes Aitken slid a shot just inches past the foot of the right post.
Visiting keeper Aaron Lennox caused Raith hearts to flutter when he sclaffed a kick to Dale Hilson, but the striker’s shot was weak.
Lewis Vaughan forced Marc Mcallum into a great save at his near post after curling in a free-kick from the left of the box.
Moments later Euan Murray flashed a free header inches past the post after a free-kick from a similar position.
Just on half-time Forfar had the ball in the net. But the assistant referee’s flag was quickly up to rule it offside.
Forfar continued to hold the upper hand after the break and looked even more dangerous as they outplayed and outfought Raith.
They had a huge shout for a penalty on the 59th minute when Murray Mackintosh tried to centre and the ball clearly struck the raised arm of Murray.
Referee Mike Roncone, already baffling the home fans with some of his decisions, further enraged them by having none of the appeals.
Hilson should have put Forfar ahead in the 66th minute when the ball broke to him after Dylan Easton played him through – taking an almighty clatter from Davidson in the process, which earned a booking.
However, Hilson opted to round the keeper, allowing Lennox to smother the ball.
But the Raith stopper turned villain two minutes later. A high ball into the box looked an easy gather but Lennox dropped the ball under pressure from Aitken, leaving the Forfar striker with a tap-in to an empty net from two yards out.
With 15 minutes left, Forfar doubled their lead.
It was a brilliant, incisive attack that tore Rovers apart.
Forfar broke from deep and the ball was played out right to Mackintosh, whose low centre was stabbed home by Aitken for his second goal.
Raith responded quickly, pulling one back just a minute later.
A corner from the right found its way to the far side of the box and Lewis Vaughan steered home a fine shot from 10 yards.
Forfar held their nerve, however, and deservedly went on to take the three points.