Ugwu the Raith hero as McGlynn’s men edge clear of play-off rivals

Gozie Ugwu’s second league goal of the season was the difference as Raith Rovers went two points clear of Dundee in the Championship playoff race last night.

The Englishman’s early strike settled things on a competitive night at Palmerston which came as Dundee drew 0-0 with Dunfermline.

Rovers fired the first warning after quarter of an hour as Regan Hendry fired from 25 yards out but his effort was easily smothered by Rohan Ferguson.

But just two minutes later the deadlock was broken. Some neat play down the righthand side saw Reghan Tumilty square the ball to Ugwu who was able to squeeze his shot past Ferguson.

The home side looked to hit back quickly and with 21 minutes on the clock Willie Gibson crossed for Dapo Mebude but his volley was hit well over the crossbar.

With half an hour gone Kyle Benedictus fouled Mebude on the edge of the box but Rhys McCabe couldn’t keep his free-kick on target and blasted well over.

The Stark’s Park side had another good chance to go ahead with 10 minutes left of the first half. Queens duo James Maxwell and Rhys Breen jumped for the same header which resulted in Ugwu bearing down on goal.

However, the 27-yearold’s shot was saved by the legs of Ferguson and the danger was cleared.

It was Queens who started the second half better with Gregor Buchanan trying his luck from outside the box but his attempt was just over the bar 10 minutes after the restart.

Two minutes later the ball fell to Ciaran Dickson on the half volley but he smashed the ball into the side netting.

The Doonhamers were the much better side and really should have levelled on the hour mark.

A Queens corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble with the ball falling to the feet of Ayo Obileye but somehow he blasted over from a matter of yards.

Mebude burst forward and cut the ball towards Connor Shields at the front post but he put his chance wide.

After a long spell of Queens pressure Raith went looking for the killer second goal. Kai Kennedy fired from outside the box but his shot flashed wide of Ferguson’s left-hand post.

Front man Ugwu had a speculative effort a few minutes after but the ball landed outside Palmerston on Terregles Street.

The Doonhamers continued to put pressure on and Obileye again went close with the game entering the final 10 minutes.

However, John McGlynn’s side were resolute at the back and kept a vital clean sheet to go two points clear of Dundee ahead of Saturday’s trip to Alloa Athletic.

Raith players celebrate Gozie Ugwu’s winning goal.