Chairman resigns and Raith stay rooted in League 1 as Alloa come back to haunt them

Raith Rovers failed to move through the semi-final stage of the play-offs for a second season running. A 2-1 Stark’s Park defeat by Alloa sealed a 4-1 aggregate success as the Wasps booked their place in the final where they will face Dumbarton.

A year ago, defeat by Brechin brought relegation and an end to John Hughes’ reign and change has been swift again, with chairman Alan Young stepping down on Saturday evening.

Alloa survived an early penalty scare when John Herron tumbled in the box and they made the most of that reprieve by moving three goals clear on aggregate five minutes from half-time when Jordan Kirkpatrick curled in a free-kick.

The Kirkcaldy men had a mountain to climb and they took a step up on 53 minutes when Euan Murray lashed home after a scramble, but a second step could not be secured.

Ross Stewart took advantage of the gaps appearing in the home side’s defence when he slammed in the winner after being set free by a Callum Smith flick.

Alloa manager Jim Goodwin said: “We were terrific. The players stood up to a lot of pressure and went on to score two good goals. I am delighted with them.” Raith manager Barry Smith said: “Losing the league last weekend had an effect as everyone was down about that.”

As for his own future, Smith added: “I have a year left on my contract and will look to get Raith promoted next year.”

Dumbarton will look to keep their place in the Cham- pionship after a 1-1 draw with Arbroath earned them a 3-2 aggregate success over Dick Campbell’s side.

The Sons built on Craig Barr’s injury-time winner at Gayfield in midweek quickly with Dougie Hill, pictured, rising to head in and extend their advantage after only nine minutes.

However, it was the visitors who responded better to that early strike and Gavin Swankie levelled the match when he took advantage of a poor Andy Dowie passback to score on 27 minutes.

The Red Lichties dominated the remainder of the game but they could not find an equaliser that would force the tie into extra time. Dumbarton manager Stephen Aitken said: “The players had to dig deep as Arbroath played with more energy than us. It was not pretty but we got over the line.”

Campbell said: “Sometimes in football the best team does not win.”