Raith Rovers 2 - 1 Ross County: Raith stall County's title chase

Published on Tuesday 9 March 2010 22:19

ROSS County's pursuit of First Division leaders Dundee was derailed after Gregory Tade struck a late winner as Raith Rovers exacted revenge for Saturday's loss in Dingwall.

The Frenchman scored seven minutes from time to complete the comeback after Allan Walker cancelled out Andrew Barrowman's first half opener.

With Hibs manager John Hughes watching on, County, who would have climbed to within three points of the summit with a game in hand had they won, were also dealt an injury blow when defender Steven Watt limped off clutching his hamstring and is almost certain to miss this weekend's Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final at Easter Road.

In contrast, Raith head into their tie at Dundee with renewed belief after overcoming one of the league's promotion contenders.

Raith missed a great chance in the 19th minute when Iain Williamson hooked a shot wide after racing clear of a static County rearguard. Their frustration over that missed chance was worsened when County took the lead nine minutes later. Richard Brittain's out-swinging corner was flicked on by Scott Boyd and Andrew Barrowman exploited poor marking to prod the ball into the net from inside the six yard box.

John McGlynn's side were level in the 53rd minute as Allan Walker sparked a frantic goal mouth scramble with his corner before finding the net at the near post. The ball eventually found it's way back to Walker and the flight of his low pass back into the area deviated with a slight touch that caught goalkeeper Michael McGovern off guard.

Gregory Tade made County pay for some spurned chances as he swept an 83rd minute shot into the net from 15 yards after Walker's initial shot was deflected into his path.

Raith Rovers: McGurn, Wilson (Shields 16), Ellis, Gathuessi, Hill, Murray, Walker, Simmons, Tade, Weir, Williamson (Russell, 75). Subs not used: Sloan, O'Conor

Ross County: McGovern, Miller, Keddie, Kettlewell, Boyd, Watt (Lawson 49), Craig (Gardyne 60), Scott, Barrowman, Brittain, Vigurs. Subs not used: Wood, Di Giacomo, Malin.

Referee: Craig Charlestson.

Attendance: 1,186.