Teenager Lewis Vaughan hopes to nail down a regular first team place with Raith Rovers after playing a starring role in Saturday’s win over Dumbarton.
The 17-year-old striker scored one and set up another as Rovers, who had winger Joe Cardle sent off after an hour, closed to within three points of championship leaders Hamilton with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Strong winds and driving rain made conditions difficult for the players, but Vaughan, who recently signed a new extended contract at Stark’s Park, mastered the elements to deliver a man-of-the-match performance.
“It’s a brilliant three points,” he said. “It was a tough game in hard conditions but the boys did well to grind out the result in the end.
“It was a good game to come into after the defeat last week, and it was great to bounce back with a win, and to score a goal.
“Winning man of the match was pleasing but most important was to get the three points and kick on in the league.
“For me, I enjoy playing in the reserves every Tuesday night but I’m hoping to play week in, week out every Saturday.”
Rovers had to grind out the victory as Dumbarton made life difficult for the hosts on a stormy afternoon in Kirkcaldy.
The Sons should have taken the lead in the 20th minute but Aaron Barry sent a free header wide after Raith switched off from a free-kick.
Rovers’ best chance of a goalless first half arrived in the 27th minute when Andy Graham miscontrolled a high ball to let Grant Anderson run clear but the winger opted for power and his shot rebounded off the crossbar.
Dumbarton were edging the game but Rovers took the lead six minutes after the break with a well-worked goal.
Callum Booth overlapped Joe Cardle to send a low cross into the box that the Sons’ defence failed to intercept, allowing Vaughan to tap home at the back post.
Rovers were left to battle the final half hour with 10 men when Cardle was shown a straight red card after catching Mark Gilhaney in the stomach with a high boot.
Dumbarton dominated against the 10 men and Rovers rode their luck at times before grabbing a crucial second goal from a swift counter-attack.
Anderson broke forward and played Vaughan through on goal but the young striker unselfishly slipped in overlapping full-back Thomson, who brilliantly dinked the ball past the out-rushing James Ewings for his first Raith goal.
Dumbarton were reduced to 10 men for the final 10 minutes after midfielder Chris Turner hobbled off with an injury.
However, the visitors ensured there would be a nervy ending for the home fans when sub Stephen McDougall slotted home in the 89th minute.
Rovers managed to see out six minutes of injury time to make it five home wins in a row.