Line Up

Report

Raith Rovers suffered their first home defeat of the league season on Saturday after losing 2-0 to the Championship leaders, St Johnstone.  

Both teams matched each other’s efforts on the pitch, but a couple of defensive mistakes combined with several missed chances for the Rovers ended up proving the difference on the day.  

Barry Robson was forced into making one change to his starting eleven, with Josh Mullin suspended after being shown a red card one week earlier. Lewis Vaughan took his place, which saw a complete change in formation for the Rovers side.  

St Johnstone kicked the match off in front of over five thousand fans that had turned out to watch the top of the table clash. The Saints didn’t take long to establish their attacking intent either, after Josh McPake’s effort from out wide bounced off the top of the crossbar in the opening minutes.  

Raith fought their way into the match soon enough and crafted a promising chance to take the lead in the 27th minute after a pinpoint cross to the backstick found Lewis Vaughan. The Rovers’ man couldn’t guide his first-time volley on target however, blasting the ball over the bar from close range.  

St Johnstone would go on to take advantage of a loose bit of possession in Raith’s midfield a few minutes later, which teed up Adama Sidibeh to slot home in the 29th minute after being put clean through on goal. 

Raith pushed forward as the end of the half approached, but the scoreline remained the same going into the interval. Neither team made any changes at halftime, which left Raith to get the second half underway.  

St Johnstone started strongly once again – and would almost certainly have doubled their lead with a deep free kick in the 53rd minute if it weren’t for a full stretch save from Rae.  

Raith created a familiar looking chance just three minutes later after Jordan Doherty’s cross to the back post found an unmarked Dylan Easton. His first-time volley also cleared the bar however – much to the grievance of the home support.  

The introduction of Jack Hamilton and Richard Chin, coupled with a strategic switch up front for The Rovers, gave the home fans some hope as Raith pushed forward for a leveller.  

St Johnstone continued to create some chances of their own though, but some eventual tame efforts on goal were comfortably dealt with by Rae.  

St Johnstone sealed the deal late on after a smart touch from Saints’ substitute Sven Sprangler allowed the midfielder to bear down on goal before sliding a pass to McPake for an open net in the 89th minute. The full-time whistle sounded just a few rain-soaked minutes later. 

Raith continue to sit in second place despite the result, although teams around them have a game in hand.  

Next up, The Rovers are back on the road with an away trip to Airdrie scheduled for next Saturday. 

Live Updates

0'
St Johnstone kick off. Shooting into the South Stand goal. Saints in white tops and socks. Blue shorts.
4'
Hanlon does well to slide in in the box and thwart a lovely move from St Johnstone.
5'
Rae rushes out of the box. He's got to be first to it or it's a goal... He is!
11'
💬
Healthy crowd at Stark's Park today.
20'
💬
Not a lot to report on so far. Midfield battle.
23'
Half chance for Saints, but 20 yard shot blocked just inside the box.
25'
Hanlon shepherds a dangerous run down the right. Out for a Saints corner.
27'
Incredible cross in from the right. Vaughan, unmarked, blast a volley over the bar.
28'
⚽️
Goal St Johnstone.
28'
⚽️
Sidibeh collects the ball on the half way line. He's rushes through and slots home.
35'
Easton chips towards goal. McMullen gets on the end of it, but heads over.
36'
Huge sliding tackle stops McMullen in the box. Corner Raith.
37'
Easton picks up a throw in on the tight end he weaves his way into the box and fires a daisy cutter low to keepers right. Steward holds well.
38'
Corner Raith.
45'
Half time: Raith Rovers 0-1 St Johnstone.
46'
Easton kicks off the second half. Ball goes back to Rae who launches it up the park.
48'
💬
St Johnstone have started very brightly.
49'
Nice move from McMullen. His cross from the right is picked off by Steward.
51'
Hanlon blocks. Saints corner.
53'
Dangerous free kick from right. Low cross met by a diving header. Great save from Rae!
54'
↔️
Hamilton replaces McMullen.
56'
Doherty cross from the right. Easton is left on his own, but volleys over. Quite similar to Vaughan's chance in first half.
60'
🤕️
Hanlon looks in a bit of pain...
63'
↔️
Wanner replaces Svedberg
70'
Doherty wins a corner for Raith.
70'
Vaughan connects with the low cross. Keeper does well to save.
71'
↔️
Chin on for Byrne.
72'
Hamilton down the left. Passes back to a racing Vaughan. Just over the bar!
73'
🟨
Brown first booking of the match. Not his best challenge.
76'
Doherty with another great cross from the right. Hamilton rises well and connects with a strong header. Keeper in the right place at the right time.
77'
Mistake sees Saints win a corner.
78'
Diabate doesn't connect well from corner kick and easy for Rae.
79'
Scenes from Chin and Raith have a corner.
79'
↔️
Fotheringham off. Sprangler on.
80'
Another Raith corner.
83'
Huge chance for Sprangler as he races into the box. Perfect cross, but his diving header is straight at Rae.
86'
Saints sclaff. Corner Raith.
87'
⚽️
Goal St Johnstone.
87'
⚽️
Sadly a second defensive error has cost a second goal. McPake slots home easily.
91'
↔️
Tumilty replaces McPake
93'
Full time: Raith Rovers 0-2 St Johnstone.

Photos

Secret Link