Wed 13th December / 19:45 / Championship 23/24 / / away
Arbroath vs Raith Rovers
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Midweek madness
Rovers travelled north to face Arbroath on the back of more late drama in the 4-3 victory over Partick Thistle. Ian Murray – knowing a victory would take his side top of the league – made four changes: bringing in Scott Brown, Aidan Connolly, Callum Smith and Jamie Gullan. The hosts had Jim McIntyre in the dugout for his first proper game in charge.
Arbroath started on the front-foot without really troubling Kevin Dabrowski’s goal whilst, going the other way, Gullan had a free kick saved by Derek Gaston. It didn’t take Rovers too long to stamp a bit of authority on the game, though. Sam Stanton battled well for the ball in the box, and his knock-down was perfect for the in-rushing Aidan Connolly to blast home, after 19 mins. Arbroath 0-1 Rovers.
However, Rovers’ lead only lasted ten minutes: an Arbroath cross from the left evaded everyone, but Liam Dick was adjudged to have fouled in the process and a spot-kick was awarded. Jermaine Hylton dispatched from the spot to restore parity in the game. Arbroath 1-1 Rovers.
Half-time: Arbroath 1-1 Raith Rovers
Rovers’ first chance of the second half fell to Brown at the back post but the Stark’s Park skipper put it just wide. As the half progressed, both sides continued to press for a winner but both defences looked in dogged mood to prevent it.
As the 90th minute approached, the travelling support thought Rovers had found – as with so often this season – a late winner, when substitute Lewis Vaughan headed towards the bottom corner but as Rovers appealed for a goal, the offside flag went up.
But Rovers weren’t finished! This remarkable season of late goals took another twist when Lewis Vaughan carried the ball down the left side, before cutting back and curling a cross-come shot into the back post. Despite the efforts of Arbroath defender Colin Hamilton, this one was destined to find the net and sent Rovers’ fans into 95th minute victorious delirium. Arbroath 1-2 Rovers.
The relentlessness of this Rovers’ side had paid off again and the three points back headed to Kirkcaldy – meaning Rovers go above Dundee Utd ahead of the top of the table clash at Tannadice this weekend.
Full-time: Arbroath 1-2 Raith Rovers
Crowd: 1,445
by David Proudfoot
Photos
© Eddie Doig 2023
Highlights
Interviews
Ian Murray spoke to RaithTV after the win at Gayfield: