Dick: We’re not Licht for the title yet
Arbroath manager Dick Campbell made a plea not to write his side off in the aftermath of an enthralling draw at home to Raith.
An entertaining season from the part- timers had the Lichties sitting at the top before Kilmarnock overtook them recently and occupying pole position with five games remaining.
However, Campbell said: “I’m a wee bit peeved at people not recognising what we’ve achieved already, our objective was to stay in the league and we’ve done that – in January.
“We’ll not lie down to anybody. Nobody will be wanting to play Arbroath, no chance.”
The home side got off to a dream start. A Nicky Low corner was knocked back by Tam O’Brien finding Jack Hamilton who rif led home from close range.
Rovers equalised just after the half hour mark.
A long ball over the top by Aidan Connelly exposed the advancing Calum Antell who came out of his box allowing Matej Poplanik to sneak in front of the Welsh keeper before scoring.
Connolly turned from
provider to scorer just after the restart, with Poplatnik crossing for the former Dundee United winger to convert with ease.
Raith doubled their advantage in 65 minutes when Connelly found Ethan Varian who kept his composure to slide the ball beyond Antell.
Dale Hilson pulled one back for Campbell’s side a couple of minutes later heading into the far right corner after a pinpoint cross by Colin Hamilton.
The home side levelled in spectacular fashion with 20 minutes left.
Luke Donnel ly’s corner found Jack Hamilton. His header hit the bar before Michael McKenna knocked home his 14th goal of the season.
Rovers assistant Paul Smith said: “We’re the only team in the league that’s come here and scored three goals. We got off to a bad start and had to battle back.”
Derek McInnes insists there is never a dull moment with Kyle Lafferty about the place.
Well, the striker certainly lit up Kilmarnock’s title push with a dream double to push the Championship leaders four points clear at the top.
The veteran frontman opted to knock back a call-up to Ian Baraclough’s Northern Ireland squad so he could continue leading the Ayrshire outfit’s promotion push against Thistle.
And he made his presence count after whipping home a sensational set-piece to put Killie one-up at the break.
He wasted little time as they second half got underway too, stroking home inside 18 seconds to put the seal on victory.
It should have been a stroll for McInnes’ men but a late lapse in concentration opened the door for Thistle to pull one back through Connor Murray, teeing up a nervous final few minutes.
Kilmarnock got the result which means they’ve racked up a magnif icent seven games unbeaten and with just five left they look on course for an immediate Premiership return.
McInnes is glad Lafferty – who now has seven goals in 10 games since his return in January – is providing value for money with his priceless contribution up top.
“Kyle’s here on the same wages as other players,” insisted the Killie boss. “He’s not here for this big money that might be assumed.
“He had one offer from the Premiership, a couple abroad and a couple from Championship clubs who were offering the same type of money. He felt he had an obligation after being part of a team that was relegated. He felt it was the right fit for him.
“I’m really lucky to have him and Kilmarnock fans appreciate him. There’s never a dull moment Monday to Friday with him.
“He’s a huge personality but when I spoke to people in the Northern Ireland set-up they said