Raith Rovers 1 - 0 Queen's Park: Weir strike enough as Raith keep the heat on leaders

Published on Wednesday 18 March 2009 00:17

Raith Rovers 1 - 0 Weir (24) Queen's Park

RAITH Rovers got their title bid back on track with a vital win over Queen's Park at Stark's Park last night.

Graham Weir's 24th minute goal was enough to secure the points from a poor game in which Raith squandered several chances to put the result beyond doubt. The Kirkcaldy side, who were knocked off the top of the table on Saturday, sparked into life after a dull opening period.

In the 20th minute Kevin Smith turned his marker and sent a fine shot just inches past. The deadlock was broken just four minutes later when Smith's cross was knocked out of the penalty box only to be returned for Weir to drill home.

Raith went on to enjoy their best spell and should have put the issue beyond doubt. In the 37th minute Weir shot just wide from Craig Wilson's cross. A minute later Smith beat two players to create a great opening, but his shot hit the sidenetting.

On the stroke of half-time Raith missed a golden opportunity when Smith's lob was handled by Jim Brough. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, but Smith's poorly-taken kick rebounded off the legs of keeper Alex Cowie. The second half saw Smith try to make amends with a 61st minute run at goal, but his shot from outside the box swerved away from the target. Queens struggled to make any impact until the later stages but they created little in the way of noteworthy chances as Raith held firm.

Raith Rovers: McGurn, Wilson, Cook, Campbell, Andrews, Davidson, Sloan, Walker, Smith, Weir, Williamson. Subs: Lumsden, Ferry, Wales, Hislop, O'Connor.

Queen's Park: Cowie, Ure, Douglas, Brough, Reilly, Neill, Holms, Cairney, Odenewo, Dunlop, Watt. Subs: Boslem, Harkins, Murray, McGrady, Crawford.

Referee: C Charleston. Att: 1,294