Raith Rovers showed real resilience to rescue a 1-1 draw against Ross County at Stark’s Park, although the league leaders will see the result as two points dropped.
John McGlynn’s men had to come from behind to earn a point, with Gregory Tade’s equaliser cancelling out Jonathan Flynn’s opener early in the second half for the visitors, and the result means it’s as you were at the top of the table with seven games remaining.
“I thought it was a magnificent response from the players and we more or less dominated after that,” McGlynn reckoned. “It’s very much up to us to continue winning.”
There was a setback early on for Raith as Stephen Simmons was clattered by Iain Vigurs and, although he bravely carried on, the midfielder was unable to last beyond the 15th minute mark when he had to be replaced by Mark Ferry.
Prior to that, Rovers had started fairly well and Dougie Hill was unlucky not to have made more of Scott McBride’s free-kick when sliding in at the back post after just five minutes.
At the other end, though, the visitors came within inches of taking the lead when a free-kick from the left was met by Steven Milne at the near post, with Raith keeper Andy McNeil having to look lively to help Milne’s goal-bound header on to the crossbar.
County continued to look dangerous and caused the Raith defence some more problems from a corner on 27 minutes when Jonathan Flynn’s header ricocheted around the penalty area and-amid claims of handball by the visitors-trickled through to McNeil.
After Ferry was unlucky not to capitalise on a poor headed clearance by Marc Fitzpatrick at the other end, it was Rovers’ defence causing their own problems when a loose back pass to McNeil was chased down by the advancing Andy Barrowman, only for the ball to bounce wide.
That did nothing to calm the nerves among the home support but Rovers appeared to settle slightly as the half wore on.
The tension among the home fans, not for the first time at Stark’s this term, was tangible as the players trooped off at the break.InvigoratedRovers responded with a renewed sense of purpose within seconds of the restart, forcing a free-kick just outside the area when McBride was felled by Scott Boyd, but Allan Walker’s effort was blocked by the wall. A short time later, however, the home side found themselves behind. Richard Brittain’s corner sailed into the near post area and the diving Flynn was on hand to steer the ball beyond McNeil with his header.
Their lead didn’t last long as County failed to clear their lines from a Rovers cross in the 55th minute and Gregory Tade was on hand 12 yards out to mop up and haul his side level. Tade then headed over from McBride’s cross on the hour as Rovers suddenly looked the likelier, and the home side went agonisingly close five minutes later.
Baird’s brilliant run and shot was brilliantly saved by Michael McGovern, the ball looped on to the crossbar and, as Tade teed up the onrushing Walker, the home fans looked on in disbelief as he poked his effort wide with the goal gaping.
Rovers continued to push but were nearly undone 10 minutes from time when Iain Davidson’s defensive lapse almost allowed Michael Gardyne in, but he failed to hit the target.
As it was, a point was probably about right on the night but it does nothing to make the destination of the first division title any clearer.
Attendance 1640.Raith Rovers McNeil, Wilson, Hill (Dyer 75), Campbell, Murray, Davidson, Walker, Simmons (Ferry 15), Baird (Wales 82), Tade, McBride. Subs not used-Weir, McGurn.Ross County McGovern, Marr, Fitzpatrick, Lawson, Boyd, Flynn, Milne, Vigurs, Barrowman, Brittain, Gardyne (Corcoran 84). Subs not used: Wood, Miller, Morrison, Malin. Referee Stephen Finnie.