Second Division: Raith waste no time in taking seven-point lead

Published on Sunday 18 January 2009 21:52

RAITH Rovers extended their lead at the top of the Second Division to seven points when they defeated bottom side Stranraer 2-1 at Stark's Park.

Graham Weir celebrated his new contract in Kirkcaldy by heading in Robert Sloan's corner after only 32 seconds and Craig Wilson doubled the lead 60 seconds into the second half. Michael Mullen pulled a goal back for Derek Ferguson's side before the visitors' Kevin Nicholl saw red for the third time this season to help Raith over the line.

Raith manager John McGlynn said: "We should have had the game dead and buried by half time and being four or five up would not have flattered us."

Second-placed Ayr United may have had this week's Homecoming Scottish Cup replay with Kilmarnock on their minds as fell 2-0 at improving Stirling Albion. Second-half goals from Martin Grehan and on-loan Dundee United midfielder Ryan McCord sealed the win despite the Forthbank side's Ross Forsyth being dismissed for a rash challenge on former Stirling player Chris Aitken in between the strikes.

Jim Duffy's return to management saw Brechin draw 0-0 with Queen's Park at Hampden,

while East Fife moved into a promotion play-off place after a 2-0 win over Arbroath thanks to Bobby Linn earning and converting a penalty in each half, Alan Rattray being sent off for the second concession.

Peterhead's Davie Ross struck in the third minute of injury time to deny Alloa their first away win of the season as the sides drew 2-2.