CONNOLLY IS THE CATALYST FOR VICTORY

IT was an afternoon of frustration for Raith Rovers that finally ended in elation.

A recent disappointing run in the Championship was put behind them as they strolled, eventually, into the fifth round.

It was a reward for their superiority as the defiant resilience of Banks O’ Dee was finally cracked during the second half.

Substitute Aidan Connolly was the catalyst that transformed a first half of missed chances into a comfortable victory.

The Raith star’s 67th-minute free-kick was deflected into the path of the outstanding Sam Sutton, who walked it around heroic home goalkeeper Fraser Hobday to break the deadlock.

Matek Popiatnik, an 89th-minute substitute made it 2-0 with his first touch 60 seconds later, after Hobday spilled a shot. Connolly added the third shortly after.

Banks O’Dee had had their first shot in the 77th minute but the tireless Lachie Macleod couldn’t beat Raith keeper Jamie MacDonald and the Stark’s Park side saw the game out comfortably.