Nisbet at the double as Rovers hold off late challenge from City

RAITH ROVERS 2 BRECHIN CITY 1

Kevin Nisbet made it 17 goals for the season as Raith beat Brechin City 2-1 at Stark’s Park.

The League One player of the month for October scored in each half to help Rovers to the three points, though a late goal from Brechin’s Andrew Jackson led to a frantic finish.

Brechin coach Stevie Campbell was in charge after the departure last week of manager Darren Dods and his assistant Lee Bailey and watched his side give as good as they got in a first half which was a largely drab affair.

The on-form Nisbet opened the scoring on 40 minutes when he picked up a stray Brechin pass in midfield and advanced into the visitors’ box, finishing well to give Rovers the lead.

On 68 minutes, Brechin sub Melingui latched on to a misplaced pass and crashed a shot off the Rovers bar from 25 yards.

On 82 minutes, Nesbit did the same – striking the bar after some great interplay with sub Jack Smith – but four minutes later he added his second, taking a Flanagan pass and cutting inside before hitting a shot in off the underside of the bar.

Brechin’s Andy Jackson pulled one back on 93 minutes and with the last kick off the game Callum Tapping flashed a shot just wide of the Rovers goal after a long throw into the box from Lynas.

Raith boss John McGlynn admitted it wasn’t a great performance but felt his side were comfortable throughout.

“I think it was a wee reaction to the defeat last week. It wasn’t the fluid, free-flowing football that we have been playing,” he said.

Campbell said despite the defeat he was proud of the way his players reacted after a turbulent week.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the boys, it’s been a tough week for them,” he added.

“I said to them beforehand ‘you might get beat, but don’t get beat without giving it 100%’ and everyone of them did so.”

l Former Dundee and Raith Rovers boss Barry Smith has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Dods at Glebe Park.