Ugwu’ s dream strike puts seal on Rovers win

forward to it and I’m sure they would too.”

Ugwu’s heroics took Rovers one step closer to the promised land of the Premiership following a top-flight absence of 24 years.

And the jubilation on the pitch, and in the dugout, illustrated just what it meant to everyone involved with the club.

A pile-up among the coaches even left assistant manager Paul Smith requiring stitches and boss John Mcglynn sporting a cut under his baseball cap.

“Does it feel like something special is happening? You could say that,” continued Ugwu.

“There’s an amazing togetherness among the team and the staff.

“You could see from Saturday’s performance. And look at those celebrations afterwards – we won the game as a team; we celebrated as a team.

“We’ll enjoy the moment and then turn our attention to Wednesday, and hopefully another performance like that.”

In truth, a superior performance is likely to be required.

Much like the first-leg stalemate at East End Park on Tuesday evening, Dunfermline created several fine opportunities to break the deadlock at the weekend, with another wonderful save from Jamie Macdonald required to deny Craig Wighton.

Pars skipper Euan Murray saw a header cleared off the line and Rovers defender Kyle Benedictus was a matter of inches away from turning a Kevin O’hara cross into his own net.

One suspects a Dundee side possessing the attacking talents of Jason Cummings, Charlie Adam and Paul Mcmullan will not be quite so charitable with their finishing.

With on-loan Rangers youngster Kai Kennedy ruled out of the tie with a hamstring injury, Manny Duku a doubt and Iain Davidson being assessed after limping off against Dunfermline, Rovers must upset almighty odds.

Then again, they have been doing so all season.

“Getting to the Premiership is our main aim but we know that Dundee are a difficult team to play against,” added Ugwu.

“It’s not done yet – we’ve only taken that first step and we need to focus on what is still to come.

“But I believe that we can match any team in this league on our day.

“It’s about showing up and performing in the two fixtures and, although anything can happen in the play-offs, we have confidence in ourselves, if we play to our maximum.”

DERBY DELIGHT: Raith’s Gozie Ugwu, right, celebrates his goal with team-mates, and, below, Lewis Vaughan puts the home side 1-0 up against Dunfermline.