Joy for Raith as Vaughan returns in win over Bairns

RAITH ROVERS 2 FALKIRK 0

Lewis Vaughan made his long-awaited return from injury as Raith Rovers progressed into the fourth round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup with a 2-0 win over Falkirk.

A brace of penalties from Regan Hendry settled the tie, but the highlight was Vaughan’s 70th minute introduction from the bench after seven and a half months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old striker has battled back from a second cruciate ligament injury, and was inches away from completing a dream comeback with a sublime 25-yard free-kick that cannoned off the crossbar.

“I couldn’t have got much closer,” he said.

“I was just delighted to get back playing again – it’s been a long time.

“Physically it’s been hard keeping myself in shape but mentally it’s even worse. Just not being able to do things, and when you first come back you struggle.

“I can’t explain how hard it’s been, and I’ve been speaking to a guy called Football Mindset in Scotland, who’s been helping me in the past month or so, giving me a lot of encouragement and self belief.

“I’ve been trying not to think too much about the injuries and just remind myself why I do stuff like this, especially for days like this when I was so close to coming back and scoring.

“It’s been a long recovery – probably the hardest seven months of my life – but I’ll get there.

“I now I just need to get match fit because there’s a lot to play for.”

Raith made three changes from the derby defeat at Bayview the previous week while Falkirk changed seven of the starting XI from their goalless draw at Airdrie.

The home side took the lead on 17 minutes when Gary Miller barged namesake Michael Miller in the box and referee Greg Aitken pointed to the spot.

Hendry stepped up and found the bottom corner with unerring accuracy, and he was presented with another chance four minutes into the second half when Dylan Tait was upended in the box by Ian McShane.

Again, Hendry confidently fired his spot-kick past Robbie Mutch for his third goal of the campaign.

Rovers were in control and had chances to add to their tally with Keiron Bowie firing against the post before limping off with an ankle strain, while Vaughan struck the bar.

The comeback sub was involved again as referee Aitken awarded a third penalty, this time to the Bairns on the 83rd minute when Vaughan fouled Charlie Telfer, who took the kick himself only to rattle the crossbar.

Rovers also handed a debut to St Johnstone loan signing Steven Anderson, a second half replacement for the injured Iain Davidson.

The hosts were deserving winners in the end with manager John McGlynn equally delighted with the clean sheet.

“It was a close game but I thought we managed it very well,” he said.

“After losing four last week, to get a clean sheet is very pleasing. Lewis Vaughan comes on and makes an impact and was involved in two or three attempts on goal.

“He’s a massive player for us so there’s a lot of pluses to be taken from today.”

Picture: SNS. Lewis Vaughan made his comeback in win over Falkirk.