First Division: Rovers keep Fife rivals at arm's length with timely victory over Stirling

Published on Sunday 27 February 2011 12:50

Raith Rovers won at Stark's Park for the first time in four games when they defeated Stirling Albion 2-1 and kept a three-point lead over Fife rivals Dunfermline Athletic in the championship race.

It was a triumph brought about more by substance than style, as John Baird knocked in the winner seven minutes from time when he prodded a Mark Campbell header goalward, with referee Steve Conroy's assistant, Stuart Hodge, advising that the ball crossed over the line.

Raith opened the scoring in similar fashion 10 minutes from half-time, when Grant Murray's header from an Allan Walker corner was awarded by Conroy's other assistant, Ross Haswell.

Gordon Smith, Stirling's on-loan Hearts striker, was set free by a fine piece of play from Chris Aitken and he moved forward to fire in an equaliser eight minutes into the second half. It looked at that stage as if Jocky Scott's men would pick up their second point in a week until Baird struck.

Dunfermline defeated Queen of the South 3-1 at Palmerston Park to all but knock the Doonhamers out of the title race.

After a goalless first half, Liam Buchanan bundled home a Steven McDougall corner in 50 minutes. Two minutes later, Bob Harris scored with a rocket of a shot that, unfortunately for the Queen's defender, was an over-hit pass-back to his goalkeeper, David Hutton.

The Dumfries men hit back when Colin McMenamin converted a Willie McLaren corner. However, Dunfermline substitute Joe Cardle's goal put the issue beyond dispute just before the final whistle.

Falkirk kept up their chase with a 2-0 win over Cowdenbeath. The Bairns can move closer to the leading duo with a win at Morton tomorrow night.

Stewart Murdoch slotted the ball past David Hay after a fine Burton O'Brien pass in the first half and Ryan Flynn netted on 55 minutes when he converted a Kallum Higgingbotham cut back.

Dundee's run of five consecutive victories came to an end as they drew 1-1 with visitors Morton. However, they do have the satisfaction of stretching their unbeaten run to 17 league games.

Sean Higgins scored for the third game in a row to give the Dens Park men the lead midway through the first half with Allan Jenkins levelling with 13 minutes to go.

Jimmy Calderwood is still waiting for his first goal and first win as manager of Ross County as Partick Thistle joined Dunfermline in leaving Victoria Park after a goalless draw.