Robinson in at the double and it’s all Rover for Raith
DUNDEE 2
Robinson (pen 49, 54) RAITH ROVERS 0
Zach Robinson was the two-goal hero as Dundee beat Raith Rovers at Dens.
The on-loan AFC Wimbledon striker netted his double in the second half with his goals securing a victory that takes Dundee to within three points of Championship leaders Ayr.
Dundee boss Gary Bowyer was full of praise for Robinson and was delighted with his team’s display.
The 51-year-old said: “I thought it was our best performance of the season if I am being brutally honest.
“The players deserve an enormous amount of credit for the work they have put in this week.
“I thought Zach was terrific.
We were talking as we walked off training yesterday that he had six goals and could he get to double figures by Christmas. I must have that conversation with him more often!
“Getting back-to-back victories was important for us as we have not done that enough.”
Raith manager Ian Murray had no complaints about the result. He said: “We are obviously disappointed with the scoreline. I thought the players put a lot of effort into the game.
“I did feel that Dundee deserved to win the match. I think we have to appreciate that.
“First half it was a really close game but overall in the second half, they deserved to win the game.
“We just have to dust ourselves down now. As much as we want to win all our games, it is very rarely possible.
“The players have to remain
positive and realise where we are and where we came from.”
Raith had a chance in just the third minute but, having created space for himself, Dylan Easton hit his longrange shot high and wide.
Rovers had an even better opportunity shortly after when Liam Dick swung a cross to the Dundee back post but Kyle Connell could not test home keeper Ian Lawlor.
Raith tails were up and Scott Brown tried his luck with a low, 25-yard shot that fizzed just wide of Lawlor’s lefthand post.
The home side came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 23rd minute as Robinson battled with two defenders but managed to squeeze a shot off which hit a post before rolling along the line and cannoning off the other post.
Robinson then hit a fierce shot inside the Raith box that Macdonald did well to tip over.
The goalie was called into action again, producing a diving save to keep out a long-range Paul Mcmullan shot.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 49th minute.
Dundee sub Ben Williamson’s shot struck Brown’s arm inside the Raith box with referee Grant Irvine pointing to the spot. Robinson calmly sent his penalty past Macdonald.
The Dark Blues doubled their advantage just six minutes later – and it was that man Robinson again.
The striker’s first effort from a corner was well saved by Macdonald but Robinson fired the rebound high into the net.
Raith skipper Brown had a great chance to pull one back but blasted well over the bar.
Robinson then had an opportunity to secure his hat-trick but he headed just inches wide.