Raith Rovers 1-2 Dunfermline

Published on Saturday 20 March 2010 20:11

Raith Rovers 1 Tade 66 Dunfermline 2 Mason 50; Graham 83

AS DUNDEE were capitulating to Airdrie, David Graham was netting the late winner against ten-man Raith Rovers that helped fire Dunfermline right back into the First Division title race. Graham netted on 83 minutes after Gregory Tade had levelled a Gary Mason opener in a thrilling Fife derby.

Stephen Simmons, who scored to send Raith into the Scottish Cup semi-final last week, turned villain this week with a first-half red card as Pars moved to within three points of Dundee.

Raith took the game to their visitors early on with Darren Smith flashing a 25 yard free-kick inches wide.

However, their hopes of a win were hampered on 32 minutes with the dismissal of Simmons.

Simmons picked up two yellows inside 60 seconds, firstly for a late challenge on Alex Burke then for alleged simulation as he fell in the box under a Chris Higgins challenge seeking a penalty.

Simmons was visibly angered by the decision as he walked off to the ironic applause of the Pars fans and his afternoon was made even worse as Dunfermline took the lead on 50 minutes.

Mason got the goal as he latched on to a David Graham rebounded shot to drive home.

Graham was then denied the second for Pars by the heroics of Raith keeper David McGurn who got to his powerful 15-yard volley to beat the ball to safety.

That was to prove crucial a crucial save as Raith drew level on 66 minutes with Tade rising to head in from close range.

But Dunfermline were not to be denied, and Graham showed composure when he raced on to a Ross Campbell through ball to grab an 83rd minute winner.