Raith Rovers 1 St Johnstone 3: Saints book semi-final slot
ByCraig Smith
St Johnstone became the first team to book their spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Raith Rovers.
Tommy Wright’s men looked to be in for an easy afternoon at windswept Stark’s Park when Gary McDonald’s swivel and strike from the edge of the penalty area gave Saints a fourth minute lead.
However, Rovers battled back and got themselves on level terms in 21 minutes thanks to a superb long-range effort from Joe Cardle.
The home side squandered some decent chances before half-time and they were duly punished four minutes into the second half when Nigel Hasselbaink made it 2-1, before Steven Anderson’s near post strike completed what turned out to be a deserved victory in the end 11 minutes from time.
Saints will now be eagerly awaiting Sunday’s semi-final draw, while Raith’s focus will turn to staying in the Championship.
Raith Rovers 1 St Johnstone 3: Saints book semi-final slot