Winger bags equaliser on dream Stark’s return

RAITH ROVERS: Armstrong thrilled to play part in result that keeps team top

RAITH ROVERS 2 FALKIRK 2

Dan Armstrong admits he could not have dreamed of making a bigger impact on his return to Raith Rovers.

The winger, only signed on Thursday after leaving Ross County and with just two training sessions under his belt, was called off the bench at half-time against Falkirk as struggling Raith sought a way back into a match that was slipping through their grasp.

Already 2-0 down after 16 minutes, only the most optimistic of Rovers supporter would have been confident of a comeback.

But, making his second “debut” for the club, Armstrong duly provided the spark that ensured the Kirkcaldy outfit sealed a point in a stirring second-half display to remain top of League One.

The 21-year-old was a vibrant attacking force on the right flank and provided the assist for Michael Miller’s header that gave Raith hope before curling in a stunning free-kick to level things up.

He said: “The first half was difficult and I was just hoping to get on and help the boys. The manager spoke to me a couple of minutes before half-time and asked me if I could go on and change the game.

“I said I would do my best and I was just glad to get on the pitch and help the boys out. Getting an assist and a goal was perfect. I signed on Thursday and trained Thursday night and Friday morning, and I was just happy to get on the pitch and do well.”

Falkirk grabbed the opener just two minutes in. David McGurn repelled a Charlie Telfer volley but when the ball fell for Louis Longridge the former Raith and Dunfermline attacker drilled home.

The Bairns’ experienced side further pressed home their advantage just 14 minutes later. Lewis Allan slipped in the centre circle and the ball was shuffled into the inside-left channel, from where Connor Sammon curled in a superb finish.

A magnificent save from former Dundee United keeper Cammy Bell kept out David McKay but there was little else to buoy Rovers until Miller got his head to Armstrong’s cross and flicked a neat finish into the far corner.

With 12 minutes remaining, Armstrong swerved a magnificent freekick into the top corner to restore parity and Rovers almost won it but Michael Doyle cleared Grant Anderson’s header off the line.

Dan Armstrong made an immediate impact on his Rovers return with a magnificent equaliser against Falkirk.