Report

Raith Rovers vs Hamilton Academical 

Raith Rovers failed to end their recent streak of results after finding themselves on the wrong side of a 2-goal comeback at the weekend. A good attacking performance wasn’t enough to deny visiting team Hamilton Academical striking at the death to seal a 3-3 stalemate.   

The occasion marked Neill Collins game at Starks Park since taking charge, and his team-lines revealed several differences compared to his last selection against Dunfermline just eight days prior. Collins made four changes, with Jack Hamilton and Kieran Freeman the most notable inclusions. New loanee Findlay Pollock made the bench, having signed for the club just two days earlier.  

Kick-Off 

The home fans’ afternoon got off to a less-than-ideal start. Just 26 seconds into the match, a short back-pass called Dabrowski into action, who rushed out and punched the ball clear as both sides challenged for the ball. Much to the outrage of the Raith support, the referee awarded a penalty – one which was calmly dispatched in the second minute by Hamilton’s Kevin O’Hara.  

This early setback didn’t deter the Rovers as they pushed to get the game back to a level scoreline. Their efforts eventually paid off after Jack Hamilton knocked the ball down to Lewis Stevenson on the edge of the box. The veteran left-back sublimely struck the ball on the half-volley and watched as it curled into the top right corner of the Hamilton goal. A goal that will surely be talked about as a “Goal of the season” contender, and a goal that got the Rovers back into the game in the 15th minute.  

Lewis Vaughan was an unfortunate casualty in the lead up to this goal however, who was replaced by 20-year-old hearts loanee Finlay Pollock before the game got back underway.  

Pollock wasted little time in getting into the rhythm of the match. Around 20 minutes after coming on, a pinpoint through ball from Dylan Easton left Pollock one-on-one with the Hamilton keeper. A deft touch to the side tricked his opponent, which allowed the debutant winger to pass into an open goal to give Raith their second of the match in the 36th minute.  

Half-Time 

Raith started the second half with an impressive tempo, and once again found their reward after pressing forward constantly. A quick break by Aidan Connoly allowed the wide man to float a ball into the box, which caught Hamilton keeper Dean Lyness off-guard. The ex-Raith shot stopper could only palm the ball upwards as he fell to the ground, leaving Dylan Easton to fire home from close range to double the Rovers’ lead around 10 minutes into the second half.  

More good football meant the chances kept on coming for Raith, but they just couldn’t convert numerous promising-looking opportunities. The ball did hit the net once more, but a tight off-side call deemed the goal invalid. As the game progressed, Raith made several changes as the players efforts took their physical toll.  

Hamilton slowly came into the game as the clock ticked on. An awkward effort on goal from Connor Smith found its way onto the post of the Raith goal, before crossing the line as Raith fans watched with dread. With 10 minutes to go, Hamilton continued to press for an equaliser.  

A last-minute corner spelt disaster for Raith. With a ball played to the back post, the defence just couldn’t clear after Dabrowski blocked a shot from close range. The rebound fell to Hamilton’s Oli Shaw, who hooked the ball over his shoulder and into the net in the 95th minute.  

Full Time 

A sickening result for Raith in a match which had many positives. They will be hoping to produce a similar attacking showing in their next match at home to Falkirk – albeit with a better result to show for it. 

Photos