Report

Raith Rovers recorded a richly deserved 4-0 victory in their second pre-season fixture, defeating League Two side Edinburgh City. An early goal from Kyle Turner put the Rovers ahead, before second-half strikes from Kai Montagu, Lewis Vaughan and Paul McMullan rounded off the scoring.

Coming into the game, Dougie Imrie rotated his squad by introducing Ross Millen, Scott Brown, Charlie Telfer, John Robertson and Kai Montagu to the starting line-up following the first pre-season friendly against Hamilton Accies.

With the new playing surface on display for just the second time, both teams looked to play attractive, passing football on the slick surface. Despite the final scoreline, Edinburgh City impressed with their technical play. However, after just seven minutes, they got themselves into trouble.

City goalkeeper Mark Weir attempted to play the ball out from the middle of his penalty area, but his pass was intercepted by George Oakley. The loose ball fell kindly to Kyle Turner, who took a touch before coolly dispatching his finish to give the Rovers the lead.

Twenty minutes in, the Rovers were forced into a change when Scott Brown was withdrawn after picking up a knock. He was replaced in the heart of the defence by recent signing Zak Delaney.

George Oakley and Dylan Easton both came close to extending the Rovers lead, while Josh Rae did well to deny Lennon Walker at the other end. However, neither side could find another goal before the interval.

After probing their opponents for much of the second half, the Rovers doubled their advantage in the 69th minute. Half-time substitute Lewis Vaughan did well to hold up the ball before laying it off to Kai Montagu, whose powerful strike found the top corner via a slight deflection off a City defender.

A third goal quickly followed as Paul McMullan and Jai Rowe combined well with some neat team play. Rowe then delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, where Lewis Vaughan was on hand to tap into an empty net for his third goal of pre-season.

In the dying moments of the match, the Rovers still had time to add a fourth. After some sloppy play at the back from Edinburgh City, Vaughan once again picked up possession before popping the ball into the path of Paul McMullan, who sweetly struck a half-volley into the back of the net.

It was a richly deserved victory on the night for the Rovers, who now turn their attention to the start of their Premier Sports Cup campaign when they welcome Elgin City to Stark’s Park on Saturday, July 11.

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