Second Division: Sub Ferry quick off mark for Raith

Published on Sunday 4 January 2009 20:33

RAITH Rovers' 1-0 victory over East Fife in front of more than 4,800 fans at Stark's Park has restored their four-point advantage over Ayr United at the top, which Raith could stretch to seven points in a re-arranged game at Stirling next Saturday, as Ayr face Kilmarnock in the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

Kevin Smith and Mark Campbell went close for the home side and Bobby Linn tested David McGurn in the home goal, before the match was settled midway through the second period. Substitute Mark Ferry scored a minute after coming on when he headed home a Craig Wilson cross.

His manager John McGlynn said: "That was a massive three points to secure. Some people may have been expecting us to slip up playing our local rivals after losing at Peterhead, but we showed our character today."

Visiting manager Dave Baikie was left disappointed by the outcome, saying: "It was a great end-to-end game, but I am still disappointed to lose. Their sub scored with his first touch and that plus their run of injury-time goals shows how well things are working out for Raith. It is a bit of a setback for us."

Queen's Park achieved their second win in succession when they saw off Peterhead 2-1 at Hampden Park.

Ian Watt volleyed Gardner Speirs' side ahead, with Peterhead equalising when Stuart McKay nodded home from a couple of yards. Queen's scored a superb winner five minutes from half-time. Ryan Holmes ended a 40-yard run with a waist-high cross which Paul Cairney converted with a diving header.