Preview

After a free weekend last week, Rovers are back in action this Friday evening, and the game could hardly be any bigger.Table topping Dundee United are the visitors to Stark's Park, with Jim Goodwin's side looking to extend their four point lead over second placed Raith at the summit of the table, while Rovers will be looking to reduce it to a solitary point.For Ian Murray's side to do that however, they'll need to arrest a poor run of form, which has seen the side win just once in eight outings, since a win at Tannadice between the sides in mid December.That sequence has allowed Dundee United to overhaul a five point deficit in the table, although the Taysiders have yet to record a win against Raith this season.It was a 1-1 draw at Stark's Park in October, with Lewis Vaughan's goal midway though the first half, cancelled out by Louis Moult midway through the second.Rovers took all three points in the return fixture in December though, with Dylan Easton's sensational goal enough to take all three points.If Rovers are going to pull off a similar result this time, they'll have to inflict United's first defeat away from home this season. The Tannadice side have won nine and drawn two of their 11 away matches in the Championship, only conceding three goals in the process,Friday night's referee will be Don Robertson.

Head-To-Head Record:

Raith Rovers wins: 15

Dundee United wins: 30

Draws: 13

Reports

A night to remember under the lights

A Friday night at Stark’s Park, under the lights, with a sell-out crowd, live on the TV and the two teams chasing for the Championship. The scene was set for drama and it didn’t disappoint. United knew a win would take them 7 points clear at the top; however, a Rovers win would take them to within a point of the visitors – so, all to play for. Only big surprise in the starting eleven was Scott Brown moving to the bench – more on that later.Rovers started on the front-foot and were first to threaten through Zak Rudden. He was put in down the right but his shot from a tight angle was well dealt with by Jack Walton in the visitor’s goal. The frantic opening period continued and United should have taken the lead when they worked the ball into the box, finding Tony Watt with the goal at his mercy, but his low shot was well held by Kevin Dabrowski down to his right.It was Rovers, though, who would break the deadlock. Nice work from Liam Dick down the left, his cross found Rudden in a yard of space, and he cleverly flicked the ball into the far corner to give Rovers the lead. Rovers 1-0 Dundee Utd.Both teams continued to make chances but failed to find the accuracy in front of goal: United blasted one over the bar and Rovers flashed one wide of the post – but that was all to change on the 40 minute mark, though. A United corner fought Ross Graham in the box and his powerful header only needed the merest of touches from Louis Moult to bring the visitors level. Rovers 1-1 Dundee Utd.An excellent first half contested by two good, positive teams.Half-time: Raith Rovers 1-1 Dundee UtdThe second half was played in similar fashion with both teams pushing for a victory. It was United, though, that started to command more of the midfield, and in doing so, were now making more half-chances. A combination of shooting wide or over, and some Dabrowski saves, kept the game level.Rovers then showed their intent on pushing for the three points introducing Scott Brown, Jack Hamilton, Dylan Easton and Aidan Connolly to the action.It took until the 89th minute for the game to explode – and explode it did. A headed clearance found Scott Brown quite far out but Rovers’ captain courageous chested the ball down, and hit one of the sweetest strikes the fans have seen in years. When the strike hit the top corner, Stark’s Park erupted. A remarkable moment for the sell-out home support, and a goal that will be replayed and replayed for a very long time. Rovers 2-1 Dundee UtdDundee Utd almost snatched an equaliser at the death but found Dabrowski in sensational form, leaping to his left to deny what looked a certain goal.Fantastic victory for Rovers, brilliant occasion in Kirkcaldy and an exciting game for the neutrals watching on TV.The Championship race goes on.Full-time: Raith Rovers 2-1 Dundee UtdCrowd: 7,923by David Proudfoot

Photos

Highlights

Interviews

RaithTV talked to Ian Murray after the win v Dundee United: Match-winning skipper Scott Brown talked to RaithTV after the win v Dundee United