Holders Raith continue defence as
Raith Rovers manager Ian Murray was delighted that his side avenged their opening day loss to Cove Rangers as the holders of the SPFL Trust Trophy progressed to the fourth round.
Murray was pleased to see his side progress which they did without conceding.
“It’s a very difficult place to come play, we know that from the first game of the season,” he said.
“It’s an excellent win for us on the road, we got a clean sheet, and a few guys got some much-needed minutes under their belt.”
The former St Mirren and Airdrie boss highlighted the performance of youngster Quinn Coulson who took full advantage of the start.
“I am delighted with his contribution to the goal and to the game. I didn’t think he looked out of place at all,” Murray continued.
In contrast, a disappointed Cove boss Jim Mcintyre was left ruing missed opportunities.
“I thought we had plenty of the game but without that killer touch. Both teams made good chances, but we didn’t show a ruthless side and obviously they did in the early stages,” he said ruefully.
The only goal of the game came in the 10th minute when Connor Mcbride netted his first for the club.
Kieran Ngwenya made a darting run through the midfield and found Coulson on the left-hand side. He cut it back to Mcbride who fired in at the goalkeeper’s near post from the edge of the six-yard box.
Ethan Ross struck the post in the 24th minute after being slid through by Coulson following a well-worked Raith free-kick routine.
The best chance of the half for the hosts came in the 41st minute when Morgyn Neill had a free header after a floated cross from Iain Vigurs, but his effort flew wide past a static Robbie Thompson.
COVE RANGERS 0 RAITH ROVERS 1 Mcbride (10)