THE CHAMPIONSHIP

RAITH ROVERS ended a run of three successive defeats as they edged out a battling Dumbarton side.

The Kirkcaldy men looked to have put themselves in an unassailable position with three first-half goals before two secondhalf strikes from the rejuvenated Sons left them hanging on for the three points.

“It was a little bit disappointing,” said Raith boss Gary Locke as he reflected on the nervy finish to the game. “For 65 minutes we were different class and could have been five or six in front, then we became sloppy towards the end.

“I’m focusing on the positives, however, and the most important thing was to get the win after three defeats – we’ve stopped the rot and we’re back on track, playing a bit more like we did at the start of the season.”

Rudi Skacel looked certain to record his first goal for the club early on, the former Czech Republic international striker dispossessing Dumbarton captain Darren Barr then seeing his shot brilliantly saved by Alan Martin.

But the opener arrived shortly afterwards when Kevin McHattie collected the ball in midfield before driving forward and drilling the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

A quickfire double strike before half-time looked to have ensured a comfortable victory for the home side, Ross Callachan firing home as he finished off a Bobby Barr cross then Scott Roberts adding a third with a magnificent 25 yarder.

Dumbarton battled back after the interval, however, and reduced the deficit with goals from Ryan Stevenson and Joseph Thomson before defender Gregor Buchanan was red-carded late on.

“It was a great reaction from the players in the second half,” reflected Sons boss Stephen Aitken. “But you can’t afford to give a good team like Raith Rovers three goals of a start.”