The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Disastrous night for Raith Rovers as they crash to rivals Ayr.
Night to forget for Barry Smith’s men as the Honest Men go top
AYR UNITED 3 RAITH ROVERS 0
Raith Rovers are playing catch-up at the top of League One after a dismal night at Somerset Park yesterday.
First half goals from Lawrence Shankland and Robbie Crawford swept Ian McCall’s men three points clear, albeit with a game more played.
The prolific Shankland made it 10 goals from nine games to send United on their way and when Crawford struck six minutes later, Rovers were always up against it. Sub Craig Moore headed an injury time third to leave Raith well beaten.
Only 140 fans were in the Raith end and they saw little to cheer on a night to forget.
Rovers boss Barry Smith said: “I thought we actually started the game better but after Ayr scored we never recovered. Ayr’s movement was good and we didn’t deserve anything from the game.
“The boys know they can do a whole lot better but it would be wrong to be over critical. Now it is all about reaction and I’m sure we will get one on Saturday.
“It’s not easy when you are without your captain Kyle Benedictus who has a broken leg and also Iain Davidson. But we have to do better.”
The Kirkcaldy side threw everyone upfield for a Lewis Vaughan free-kick after six minutes as they looked to make an early impact, but the striker’s deep ball into a packed box drifted harmlessly wide of Jordan Hart’s left hand post.
Ayr quickly replied with a searching cross from Andy Geggan but Robertson dived full length to head clear.
Ayr made the breakthrough after 16 minutes when Michael Moffat’s close control set up the chance and former Aberdeen striker Shankland turned smartly to knock home a low shot.
Ayr tails were up and their pressure paid off with a richly deserved second goal after 22 minutes. Again Moffat was the architect with a neat-lay off and Crawford cut inside to crash home an 18-yarder off the underside of the bar.
The goals clearly knocked the wind out of Raith as Ayr pressed forward at every opportunity.
It was almost 3-0 three minutes after the interval when Michael Rose’s 25 yard free-kick was spilled by Graeme Smith who recovered to save Moffat’s follow-up.
Liam Buchanan thought he had pulled one back for Raith with a header but the flag was already raised.
Ayr should have wrapped it up after 65 minutes when McHattie tripped Adams for a penalty but Moffat skied the kick high over.
Sub Greig Spence went close for Raith with a low shot before Moore had the final word at the death after sub Alan Forrest and Geggan combined.