Raith forced to play Stevenson as stand-in keeper at Ayr

Raith Rovers lost 1-0 at Ayr United last night after they had to play forward Ryan Stevenson in goal when the SPFL refused their plea to postpone the match.

Raith Rovers forward Ryan Stevenson takes a goal-kick as he was forced to take the No 1 jersey against Ayr last night. Picture: Ross MacDonald

Stevenson, right, made a couple of fine saves but was beaten by a header by Farid El Alagui. All three of the Kirkcaldy side’s keepers are injured. Kevin Cuthbert has had a hernia operation, his deputy Conor Brennan picked up a foot injury in Saturday’s loss to Queen of the South and Aaron Lennox, on loan from Aberdeen, broke his jaw and hand in a January friendly.

Raith boss John Hughes blasted the authorities for forcing the game to go ahead but praised Stevenson’s performance.

Hughes said: “Ryan acquitted himself very, very well. We’ll take the hit but this can’t happen again in Scottish football – it makes a lottery of it.”