RAITH ROVERS 2

Ross (11), Zanatta (27)

AYR UNITED 1

Baird (71)

Raith Rovers gave their hopes of reaching the promised land of the Premiership a boost as they overcame a gritty Ayr United side at Stark’s Park.

The victory extended the Kirkcaldy side’s undefeated run to eight games as they retained fourth spot in the Championship table, a result that delighted manager John McGlynn.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half,” reflected McGlynn.

“We played some good football and scored two good goals.

“I knew Ayr would come at us after the break and they had us on the backfoot for a while but we defended well to see the game out.”

Raith produced a dominant first-half display and surged into the comfort of a two-goal interval lead.

The opener arrived in the 11th minute when a precise cross from the right by Aidan Connolly was met by Ethan Ross whose glancing header eluded Ayr keeper Aidan McAdams and nestled in the back of the net.

The subtle midfield promptings of Hibs-bound Dylan Tait and the piercing runs of Dario Zanatta were causing a series of problems amongst the Ayr defenders.

And it was no surprise when the two players combined brilliantly to make it 2-0 with a goal of sublime beauty just before the half-hour mark.

Tait began the move with a powerful run through the heart of the visitors’ defence before releasing Zanatta.

The former Ayr man collected the ball before cutting inside and unleashing a curling shot which flew high into the net beyond the diving McAdams.

A cleverly placed lob from Reghan Tumilty then rebounded from McAdam’s crossbar as the home side looked for a killer third goal to make the points safe.

After the restart, Ayr displayed a higher level of attacking endeavour with Raith keeper Jamie MacDonald saving well from Joe Chalmers before Jack Baird reduced the deficit by netting from close range 19 minutes from time.

Ayr boss Jim Duffy felt that it had been the proverbial game of two halves.

“Raith Rovers had a stranglehold on the game to start with and we were a shadow of the team which came out for the second half,” said the former Dundee and Falkirk supemo.

“We were a different side after the break, but ultimately football’s all about winning games.”