Buzzing Wasps sting Rovers again to take control of semi

Four days after denying Raith Rovers the League 1 title, Alloa again tormented their Kirkcaldy counterparts by seizing the initiative in the play-off semifinals with this 2-0 first leg win.

The weekend’s goalless draw between the teams at Stark’s Park meant Rovers were agonisingly pipped at the summit by Ayr United.

Goals from Ross Stewart and Iain Flannigan at the Indodrill Stadium inflicted yet more punishment on Rovers as Jim Goodwin’s part-timers gained the upper hand ahead of Saturday’s second leg in Fife.

What was more infuriating for the visitors was that they were masters of their own downfall. Keeper Graeme Smith was at fault for Stewart’s opener after his clearance was charged down by the striker, while Flannigan’s goal highlighted Raith’s defensive frailties.

The night went from bad to worseforroverswhendefender Iain Davidson was shown a second yellow card by referee Don Robertson nine minutes from time following an aerial challenge with Scott Taggart that left the Alloa defender needing treatment. While the

0 Alloa forward Ross Stewart slots the ball home from a tight angle to put the home side 1-0 ahead against Raith Rovers last night. Wasps had their tails up prior to kick-off after securing a third-place finish and avoiding Dumbarton, there were concerns over whether Raith could overcome the anguish of falling just short of the finishing line. The early signs were good for Barry Smith’s side but Smith’s aforementioned error set Raith back.

The keeper dithered on a pass back from Davidson and his clearance was charged down by Stewart. The on-loan St Mirren marksman then kept his composure to slot past Smith from a tight angle. Smith was clearly rattled by his error and put his team in danger five minutes later. His attempted roll-out to Jason Thomson was short, leaving the keeper to commit a foul by smothering the loose ball. The Raith keeper heaved a sigh of relief as Stewart’s indirect freekick cannoned into the wall.

Smith’s lack of composure spread to his team-mates and Alloa were keen to take advantage. Jordan Kirkpatrick’s forceful run was illegally checked by Davidson and the Alloa midfielder flashed a free-kick just inches past the top corner.

Raith started the second half with purpose and should have equalised in the 55th minute but Thomson could only lift the ball over the bar from Lewis Vaughan’s free-kick.

But the away side’s hopes of drawing level were dampened when the Wasps doubled their lead. Kevin Cawley charged down a Kevin Mchattie clearance before squaring for Flannigan, who struck a first-time shot into the corner of the net from 12 yards. Alloa had chances to add to their lead but Kirkpatrick and Cawley both had shots saved by Smith. The visiting keeper then did well to keep out a deflected shot from Alloa substitute Jon Robertson.