On a soggy wet evening in Kirkcaldy the fight for Scottish Premiership football kicked off between Raith Rovers and Ross County. The Staggies dominated the game and managed to take a 1-2 win back to Dingwall.
The biggest Rovers game in over two decades did not go unnoticed by their fans. With more than 6000 supporters it was the home side’s biggest crowd since 1995. However, it was Ross County that stabbed their authority at Stark’s Park early on.
Simon Murray got a first threat towards Rovers’ goal, but his shot failed to hit the target. The striker’s shot got followed by a barage of pressure by the visitors. County did not manage to turn their dominance in any clear cut chances. Also no small thanks to Rovers’ enduring defensive line.
On the other end County did not allow Rovers to get more than three or four passes forward. By half time County controlled 55 percent of the possession and managed to get 7 shots at the homeside’s goal. Even so, the home side managed to reach half time on level terms: 0-0.
The second half started more brightly for Rovers. A shot at goal by Connoly curled past the outside of the post. But Rovers could not maintain the forward pressure. A real turning point occurred when a shot on goal deflected off a Rovers arm inside the box. It caught the attention of VAR and resulted in a penalty kick for County. The spot kick got netted decisively by Yan Dhanda in the 52th minute. County’s star man put the Staggies ahead: 0-1.
In the final quarter Rovers’ goalie Kevin Dabrowski impressively deflected a goalbound shot towards a corner. However, it allowed Yan Dhanda to deliver a quality ball into box that found the head of Jack Baldwin. The defender made a smashing header down into the ground that flew past Kevin Dabrowski: 0-2.
In the 82th minute Rovers managed to cross the ball to Sam Stanton after a good passage of play. The midfielder slammed the ball into County’s net. It brought the score to 1-2, against the run of play. In the remainder of the tie both defences held up.
Ross County’s win will give them confidence towards a good outcome. However, the 1-2 scoreline will also give Raith Rovers fans hope something may still be possible in Dingwall. The decisive 2nd leg of the Premiership play-off final will be on Sunday, 26 May. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The match highlights will be presented on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene.
