Report

Raith Rovers have curbed their turbulent start to the season in spectacular fashion after they ended Falkirk’s massive unbeaten match streak in the league with 1-0 result at Starks Park.  

Neill Colins made two changes to his team sheet since the disheartening 3-3 draw to Hamilton just one week prior. Finlay Pollock got his first start with Lewis Vaugan missing through injury, whilst Euan Murray returned from suspension as Liam Dick dropped to the bench. 

Newly signed wing-back Fankaty Dabo also appeared on the bench, as well as team captain Scott Brown – who’s return from injury marks the end of a 9-week absence from matchday squads.  

Kick-Off  

The opening minutes revealed glimpses of a high-tempo affair, but was quelled by intermittent fouls from both teams. Falkirk ventured into Raith’s penalty box early doors – which allowed them to get a shot away resulting in an early corner. Raith defended well and started again from the back.  

Moments later, Easton picked the ball up in the final third and played a neat one-two with Jack Hamilton before driving into Falkirk’s penalty box. A clumsy challenge brought the Raith man to the ground. Penalty Rovers. 

Up stepped Jack Hamilton, who faced the 1700-strong wall of Falkirk fans doing their best to put him off. Hamilton proved to be unphased as he thundered his strike into the right side of the goal, putting the Rovers a goal up with just over 11 minutes played.  

Raith kept their attacking efforts up, but Falkirk were still well in the game. A dazzling run by ex-Raith winger Ethan Ross had Rovers’ fans worried as he nutmegged his way to a one-on-one chance. The resultant effort ended up wide of the target – grazing Dabrowski’s hand on its way.  

The fouls started flying, with 3 bookings being produced for somewhat professional fouls for both sides.  

Both teams continued to progress into their opponents 18-yard box. Raith defended well, and almost went on to double their lead after a ball played across Falkirk’s box seemed destined to land at the feet of Aidan Connoly. The Rovers’ wide man couldn’t connect though as the ball drifted harmlessly past him – much to the dismay of the Raith support.  

Half-time  

Falkirk started the second much like a team that was trying to protect a 43-game unbeaten streak, as they probed the Raith backline numerous times. A ball to the back post found the head of Dylan Tait, who had the entire Raith goal at his mercy from all of 6 yards out. His effort ended up high into the away end – as some Raith fans let out a sigh of relief.  

The match entered another stop-start period as both sides made changes. Scott Brown made his return to the delight of the home crowd. 

With regulation time over and a hefty amount of injury time added on, the ball fell loose in the Raith box. Rovers’ fans might have been having flashbacks to the earlier week’s goalmouth scramble as they lost sight of the ball. The net did not bulge on this occasion however as Raith managed to clear well. It wasn’t long after that the afternoon’s referee blew the final whistle.  

Full Time  

Falkirk’s 43 league match unbeaten streak spanning 529 days was over, but more importantly Raith manager Neill Colins had notched his first win in the league. The Rovers’ now sit 7th in the Championship as they travel to Cappielow to face Morton next week.  

MOTM – Dylan Easton  

Attendance – 5013 

Photos