Peterhead 1 - 4 Raith Rovers: Smiths on song as Raith progress in Scottish Cup

Published on Tuesday 1 December 2009 23:27

RAITH Rovers ran riot in the second half to kill off Peterhead's Scottish Cup challenge at Balmoor Stadium last night.

Darren Smith scored twice as the First Division side comfortably progressed to set up a fourth-round tie at home to Airdrie United.

Peterhead were dealt a double blow prior to kick-off after key men Graeme Sharp and Martin Bavidge called off due to work commitments. Raith had no such problem and manager John McGlynn opted to freshen up his attack following Saturday's stalemate at Stark's Park.

Kevin Smith earned a start at the expense of Javier Corredere and the on-loan Dundee United striker should have fired the visitors into a fourth-minute lead.

After the home defence failed to clear a corner, Darren Smith picked him out at the back post but he failed to connect cleanly with his eight-yard shot and Paul Jarvie made a comfortable stop.

Playing with a strong wind behind them, the home side came close to scoring direct from a 25th-minute corner. Nicky Clark's deep delivery flew inches past the far post, much to McGurn's relief.

Peterhead striker John Stewart was then denied by McGurn's reflex stop before Raith went agonisingly close three minutes before the interval. Darren Smith found Walker and his colourful 25-yard drive whistled past the upright with Jarvie beaten all ends up.

Peterhead were caught cold at the start of the second half as Raith broke the deadlock just seconds after the restart. Craig Wilson crossed from the right wing and Darren Smith was perfectly placed to guide a low 12-yard shot into the far corner.

Stewart then miskicked from the box after neat work from David Donald as the Blue Toon pushed for an equaliser.

However, their hopes were dashed when Raith scored again in the 59th minute. Kevin Smith took advantage of slack defending to smash the ball beyond Jarvie from just inside the area.

Now in total control, the Kirkcaldy men went on to create several more chances before Darren Smith added a stunning third goal after 73 minutes. The midfielder found the top corner with a delightful left-foot volley which even the home fans appreciated.

With three minutes remaining, Stewart scored a close-range consolation goal for Peterhead before Stephen Simmons sealed an emphatic Raith victory in stoppage time.

Peterhead: Jarvie, Donald, Stuart Smith, MacDonald, Mann, McVitie, Ross, Strachan, Cameron, Stewart, Clark. Subs not used: Wilson, Bruce, Young, Jonathan Smith, Moir. Booked: McVitie, Cameron.

Raith: McGurn, Wilson, Ellis, Campbell, Hill, Murray, Tade, Walker, Simmons, K Smith (Bryce 82), Darren Smith. Subs not used: O'Connor, Ferry, Weir, Whatley. Booked: Hill.

Referee: S Finnie Att: 537.