Rovers respond to Hughes’ tough love
JOHN HUGHES was vindicated in his harsh criticism of Raith Rovers as they responded to his tough love with a stirring victory over Dundee United.
Goals either side of the interval from Craig Barr and Ryan Hardie allowed the Stark’s Park outfit to withstand a late charge from United after Simon Murray pulled one back for the visitors with nine minutes remaining
With St Mirren and Ayr United both winning, it leaves the Kirkcaldy outfit still in a relegation dogfight but Hughes was thrilled with the recovery of the players he had castigated after last weekend’s 4-0 hammering from Dumbarton.
Hughes had questioned his squad’s character and quality, branding them fragile and accusing players of hiding — but this display will have changed his mind.
‘It was a massive improvement from last week, that’s for sure, and it had to be,’ said Hughes. ‘I think we owed it to each other.
‘There were a few harsh words said, but they took it on board and I think the work we did this week was evident. I’m absolutely delighted.
‘I think what was said last week needed to be said. I asked them for a reaction and I think what it’s done is brought them closer together. I’m pleased for them.’
For United, it was a third consecutive defeat in a run of just one win from their last ten league games.
A title challenge that looked eminently possible just a few weeks ago has been derailed spectacularly and has left them languishing 11 points adrift of league leaders Hibs.
They will now be hopeful that next weekend’s Irn-Bru Cup Final against St Mirren can spark some life into a quickly unravelling campaign.
Raith edged in front four minutes from the interval when a determined Barr headed Chris Johnston’s in-swinging free-kick beyond Cammy Bell.
Four minutes after half-time, Jean-Yves M’voto’s downward header was missed by the United defence and Hardie swivelled to drive Rovers’ second low into the net.
Murray’s shot through a crowded box grabbed United a lifeline with nine minutes left but, with Barr coming close to easing the late nerves when another header crashed back off the post, Raith held on.
‘That’s two difficult defeats this week and both of them were self-inflicted,’ said United manager Ray McKinnon, who again kept his players for a lengthy dressingroom chat after their midweek inquest in the wake of the 3-2 defeat to St Mirren.
‘It’s a wee tough run we’re on at the moment but we need to come through it.’