Locke focused on positives as Raith survive fightback

RAITH ROVERS manager Gary Locke settled for accentuating the positives after his side almost surrendered a three-goal lead in their first victory in four matches.

An early strike from Kevin McHattie and goals from Ross Callachan and Scott Roberts put Rovers firmly in command at half-time.

However, after Raith passed up gilt-edged opportunities to go even further ahead, Dumbarton threatened an unlikely comeback with goals from substitute Ryan Stevenson and Robert Thomson, before defender Gregor Buchanan’s late red card took the wind out of their sails.

‘There is a bit of disappointment,’ admitted Locke. ‘I don’t think I’m being disrespectful by saying we should have been about 5-0 or 6-0 up. We were different class, we played really well and scored three good goals.

‘Then we got slack, we got sloppy in possession and started trying things that were difficult and we let them back in the game.

‘We need to realise you can’t take your foot off the gas. But I’m delighted we’ve stopped the rot and we’re back on track.’