The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Raith Rovers’ Lewis Vaughan on the attack in last night’s Ladbrokes Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Alloa at the Indodrill Stadium.
The Kirkcaldy side, pipped by Ayr to the League One title last Saurday, went down 2-0.
Raith Rovers manager Barry Smith insists his side’s play-off hopes are still alive despite going down to a damaging play-off semi-final first leg defeat at Alloa.
Following the agonising blow of throwing away the League One title in a final day goalless draw with the Wasps four days earlier, the Stark’s Park outfit were again tormented by Jim Goodwin’s side.
The visitors were the architects of their own downfall, especially for the opening goal that saw goalkeeper Graeme Smith at fault after his clearance was charged down by goal scorer Ross Stewart.
The Rovers rearguard was just as exposed for Iain Flannigan’s strike after the break as the Wasps gained the upper hand ahead of Saturday’s second leg.
The night went from bad to worse for Rovers when defender Iain Davidson was shown a second yellow card by referee Don Robertson nine minutes from time following an aerial challenge with Scott Taggart that left the Alloa defender needing treatment.
But bullish Smith is adamant the tie is not over. He said: “You have to pick yourself up and we have to try and make sure they’re motivated for the game on Saturday. The tie is not dead, at 2-0, it’s not dead and these boys have to go out on that pitch with the belief that they can win. That is the motivation.” The early signs were good for Barry Smith’s side but keeper Smith’s aforementioned error set Raith back in the 22nd minute.
The experienced former Kilmarnock and St Johnstone shot-stopper dithered on a pass back from Davidson and had his clearance charged down by Stewart.
The on loan St Mirren marksman then kept his composure to slot past Smith.
The goalie was clearly rattled by his error and put his team in danger five minutes later. His attempted roll out to Jason Thomson was short, leaving the goalkeeper to commit a foul by smothering the loose ball. The Raith keeper heaved a sigh of relief as Stewart’s indirect free-kick cannoned into the wall.
Raith started the second half with purpose and should have equalised in the 55th minute but Jason Thomson could only lift the ball over the bar.
However, the away side’s hopes of drawing level were dampened when the Wasps doubled their lead.
Kevin Cawley charged down a Kevin McHattie clearance before squaring for Flannigan and the midfielder struck a first-time shot into the corner of the net. Alloa had chances to add to their lead on the counter but Kirkpartirk and Kevin Cawley both had shots saved by Smith.
The visiting goalkeeper then did well to keep out a deflected shot. Attendance: 1,133 Alloa: Parry, Taggart, Graham, McCart, Crane, Fleming (Smith 67), Hetherington (Robertson 38), Cawley (Renton 83), Kirkpartick, Flannigan, Stewart. Substitues not used: Smith, Meggatt, Monaghan, Goodwin, Wilson.
Raith Rovers: Smith, Thomson, Davidson, Murray, McHattie, Matthews (Zanatta 59), Robertson, Hendry, Barr (Furtado 72), Vaughan, Buchanan (Spence 54). Substitutes not used: Brian, Herron, Spence, Benedictus, Court.
Referee: Don Robertson.