Raith still looking up despite late collapse

THE immediate consequence of Raith Rovers allowing a two-goal lead to slip through their grasp was to seal Hearts’ return to the Premiership.

However, with draws across the Championship ensuring there was no real damage done to the Stark’s Park side in second spot, manager John McGlynn is eager to ensure they can still give themselves a shot at joining the Jambos in the top flight.

Dan Armstrong’s brace appeared to have set Raith on their way to three points but a 16th goal of the season from Jack Hamilton gave Arbroath impetus and Ricky Little hammered in the equaliser nine minutes from time.

‘Congratulations to Hearts,’ said McGlynn. ‘But we’ve still got a chance to go up as well.

‘We’ve got to fight to keep up there. We’ve been in the top four all season and we don’t want to drop out of it now. It’s a missed opportunity but there will be a few twists and turns. It’s very much in our hands.’

Raith got the opener in the 29th minute. Regan Hendry saw his shot parried away by Derek Gaston but Armstrong slid the rebound into the net.

The hosts doubled their lead on 70 minutes as Armstrong curled into the corner.

However, Arbroath were not finished. Frankie Musonda’s headed clearance fell short and, on the bounce, Hamilton flashed a shot beyond the reach of Raith keeper Jamie MacDonald.

Then, with just five minutes left, the Red Lichties sealed a stirring comeback as Little drilled in from 14 yards.