The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Raith Rovers pull five points clear at top of League One
RAITH ROVERS 3 ALBION ROVERS 1
Barry Smith believes Raith Rovers fans were afforded a glimpse of the real John Herron after the midfielder’s brace against Albion Rovers sent the Fifers five points clear at the summit of League One.
The 24-year-old turned in an allaction display at Stark’s Park last night, finding the net either side of the break before skipper Jason Thomson secured the 3-1 win in the closing stages.
A maiden career goal for 19-year-old Michael Hopkins had briefly restored parity for Albion before they ultimately slipped to a sixth successive defeat.
“That is the John Herron we know he can be. He has been playing with a wee injury that wasn’t helping him but we know the quality he has, and he showed that last night,” said Smith.
“It was a great three points in front of the home fans. We had to work hard for it. Of course it was a test when they equalised but the boys have a winning mentality and momentum. At this stage of the season the most pleasing thing is always just getting the win.”
It took just six minutes for Rovers to grab the advantage, with Herron latching on to a slick pass by Thomson and coolly slotting the ball beyond Kieron Wright. Rovers frontman Willis Furtado then rattled the woodwork on the cusp of half-time.
The visitors took full advantage of that reprieve after the interval when Ross Davidson surged into the box and delivered an inchperfect cross for teenager Hopkins to level things at the back post.
However, Rovers responded like champions, with Herron restoring their lead from close-range after meeting a Furtado knock-down. Gloss was applied by skipper Thomson, who ghosted into the box to dispatch a sweet half-volley.
Raith: Lennox, Thomson, Davidson, McKay, Murray, Barr (Matthews 81), Herron, Zanatta, Vaughan, Buchanan (Robertson 64), Furtado (Spence 80). Subs not used: Watson, Graeme Smith, Benedictus, Court.
Albion: Wright, McLaughlin, Baur, Mbayo, McMullin, Hopkins (Watters 86), Davidson, McLeish, Trouten, Hester, Higgins (Vitoria 75). Subs not used: Queen, MacDonald, Potts, Guthrie, Gallagher. Booked: Davidson.
Attendance: 1,294.
Referee: Alan Newlands.