Raith comeback stuns Tangerines
DUNDEE UTD 2 Flood (17), Smith (pen 23) RAITH ROVERS 2 Thompson (39), McHattie (72)
RAITH ROVERS demonstrated how difficult it will be for United to return to the Premiership any time soon.
The Fifers afforded United a two-goal start yet still ended the more likely to win this lively encounter.
The visitors scored two sensational goals to haul themselves back into contention and could have taken all three points in the end.
“The final hour we were different class,” said manager Gary Locke.
“Once we got the first 25 minutes out of the road and made a wee tactical change we looked like we could go on and win the game.
“We certainly came here to try to win.
“We showed great character the way we came back after sitting off United at the start and letting them play.”
Firstly, Jordan Thompson brought the Kirkcaldy side back into the game before half-time with a superb strike. Then Kevin McHattie grabbed a sensational equaliser.
United started the far livelier side. They were busy going about their business and raced into a two-goal lead.
A third goal would surely have killed off Raith.
However, United became nervous after Thompson brought Rovers back into the game.
United should have had a penalty before they scored. Cammy Smith was clearly brought down by Kyle Benedictus but referee Craig Thomson saw it differently from everyone else and booked Smith for diving.
Then Scott Fraser headed over from Jamie Robson’s cross when he should have scored.
United eventually did score when Willo Flood cleverly struck a half-clearance from Fraser’s free-kick with the outside of his right foot to beat Conor Brennan from 20 yards.
Then referee Thomson did award United a penalty when Declan McManus brought down Flood in the box and Smith calmly netted from the spot.
Another goal then and United would surely have been home and dry. However,