Raith Rovers 2 - 1 Queen of the South: Raith bag big win

CALUM Elliot’s double rescued three points for the hosts in what was an important victory as they look to keep pace with the league leaders.

Callum Elliott. Picture: SNS

Dundee’s win at Hamilton prevented Grant Murray’s side from going second, but squeezed the top of the table with just five points now separating the top three teams.

Having lost their last two, it looked like Raith’s run of defeats was set to continue when Gavin Reilly gave the visitors the lead just after the hour mark.

Elliot, pictured, then flashed in the first of his two impressive strikes, setting up the late heroics.

“There’s a few lads in there disappointed with the fact we didn’t take some of the chances that came our way,” said manager Grant Murray. “I mean, on another day, Greig Spence would have gotten a hat-trick. But the important thing is that he’s there to miss the chance, I would be more concerned if he wasn’t.”

It was Spence who passed up the best chance of a sloppy first half. Robbing a hesitant Kevin Holt, the striker raced through on goal, but just when it looked certain he would pull the trigger he took another touch, narrowing the angle enough so that Clark was able to repel the effort with his right foot.

The visitors had shaded possession in the first half and continued to do so in the second while finally beginning to threaten the Raith goal, Derek Lyle seeing his header denied by a reflex Ross Laidlaw save.

That chance sparked the game into life and Spence had an effort saved at the other end before Queens countered once more 
and broke the deadlock. Chris Mitchell’s cross from the right evaded the retreating defence and found Reilly who swept home from five yards.

The lead lasted just over 60 seconds. Elliot struck first time from the corner of the penalty area and his low drive arrowed into the far corner.

Queens almost grabbed a late lead in controversial circumstances after Raith thought the ball should have been given back to them following an injury and drop ball. They were caught napping as Michael Paton played on and his cross found Reilly, who wasted a great chance from close range.

Raith were furious with the situation and it inspired them into stepping up their efforts as they found a late winner.

Elliot again showed his misfiring teammates how it was done with a nice touch and shot on the turn that flew into the bottom corner.