Raith Rovers 2-1 Morton: Rovers save home record

RAITH Rovers found a way to win yet again as Jason Thomson’s clincher in the fifth minute of injury-time ensured manager Ray McKinnon equalled records dating back to the early 1900s.
Record breaker: Ray McKinnon. Picture: Johnston PressRecord breaker: Ray McKinnon. Picture: Johnston Press
Record breaker: Ray McKinnon. Picture: Johnston Press

The Stark’s Park outfit lost a goal at home for the first time in the league this season when Thomas O’Ware cancelled out Mark Stewart’s 45th-minute opener with just eight minutes remaining. However, Thomson bundled in with only seconds to spare, allowing McKinnon to match Bob Bennie’s 1933 record of wins in each of his first five home league outings and Peter Hodge’s 1907 marker of seven home victories in any competition.

“We were probably just thinking we would hold on to this 1-0 and keep that record going that everybody was talking about,” said McKinnon of the clean sheet sequence. “But I’m glad it’s gone, to be honest.

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“I don’t want to know about the other records. I’m just really, really delighted with the boys. We showed great character and it was a great three points.”

After a poor opening, the home side took the lead with a minute remaining in the half. Ryan McCord’s corner was headed back into the six-yard box by Thomson and Stewart swept in from close range.

Former Hibernian and Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson made his debut with 15 minutes remaining as Raith sought to hold their lead but six minutes later O’Ware rifled in a volley when Rovers failed to clear a corner.

Just when it looked as if the Kirkcaldy side’s winning streak would end, a long Rory McKeown throw-in was nodded back in by Jon Daly and Thomson took a couple of swipes before the ball finally crossed the line.

“I’m absolutely gutted for the players,” said Morton manager Jim Duffy. “But Raith have got a good knowledge of how to win.”