Raith's lesson for Brown

Published on Saturday 15 August 2009 20:42

Raith Rovers 2 (Williamson 30; Ellis 41) Dundee 2 (Harkins 5 pen; McMenamin 73)

GORDON BROWN, the Prime Minister, is required to make a stunning political comeback if he is to retain his position beyond May of next year.

After watching his beloved Raith Rovers overcome an early – and potentially fatal – setback against overwhelming title favourites Dundee yesterday, the beleaguered Premier may draw inspiration from football.

Losing a goal to Gary Harkins' penalty kick after only five minutes was akin to trailing badly in the polls against a resurgent opponent, but Raith proved anything is possible against the big-spending Dark Blues by conjuring goals from Iain Williamson and Laurie Ellis to lead at the interval.

Raith's battling qualities were a joy to watch and should have yielded them a victory but they could not capitalise on a number of second-half chances and watched Colin McMenamin equalise with 17 minutes left.

Dundee were awarded a free-kick when Harkins was felled on the edge of the area. Eric Paton, who has a track record of scoring from dead balls, stepped up to take the award but goalkeeper David McGurn held well.

Raith could only hold on another three minutes, though, as the mercurial Harkins showed why Dundee spent big to sign him from Partick Thistle.

The midfielder scurried into the box with the ball at his feet and he evaded three challenges before Grant Murray's scythe finally saw him felled.

Harkins himself took the award, neatly passing it into the right-hand corner, giving McGurn no chance.

Raith lost Stephen Simmons on 13 minutes following a meaty – but accidental – exchange with Eddie Malone when both challenged for a ball. He was replaced by Darren Smith in what proved to be the pivotal moment.

Smith made a significant impact on Raith's play by adding energy to their midfield and he played a major role in their equalising goal.

His run and cross from the left-hand side flew into the box, catching Dundee flat-footed and this allowed Williamson to steer a shot home at the back post.

Raith exploited Dundee's defensive frailties once again on 40 minutes. A corner-kick from Craig Wilson should have been dealt with but the ball found Gregory Tade, who attempted a volley but, somewhat hilariously, missed the ball entirely.

This presented Dundee with a second opportunity to clear but they were too slow, as Ellis strode in to blast into the bottom left-hand corner from six yards.

After riding their luck for so long, Dundee got the equaliser on 73 minutes. A long throw by Tony Bullock reached Harkins, who sprinted up the line before laying a pass in for McMenamin and he spun in the box before shooting beyond McGurn.

Raith continued to attack, but they survived a late scare when defender Gary McKenzie skyed a shot in the dying seconds.