The stopper, recalled to the starting line-up for injured Keiron Renton, was left to rue the indecision that allowed Airdrie striker Alan Russell to net twice.

The mistakes mean Rovers now have to overturn a two-goal deficit in Airdrie on Saturday to keep the First Division hopes alive.

Rovers made a bright and positive start winning two corners inside six minutes but Fahey was the first keeper called into action, fisting Marco Andreoni's shot to safety on 11 minutes.

Raith were grateful for the pace of Iain Davidson four minutes later as the defender made up the ground to deny Bryan Prunty a clear sight on goal.

In keeping with the season, Rovers suffered an injury blow on 20, Steven Hislop limping off to be replaced by Graham Weir.

Ryan Borris was close to giving the home side the lead on 26 minutes but his surging run and left foot shot brought out a one-handed save from Stephen Robertson.

At this stage last season Rovers had barely touched the ball against Stirling but they were well in this tie – until disaster struck.

A huge goal kick from Robertson bounced into the Rovers box and as the defence waited on a hesitant Fahey to claim it, striker Alan Russell nipped in to head over the stranded keeper.

The dismay of the home support was doubled nine minutes later when Russell scored a carbon copy.

Andreoni's ball into the box held up in the wind but Fahey was again caught on his heels as Russell flew himself at the ball.

The goalkeeper could only watch in horror as the ball rolled into the goal and his team's First Division dream crashed all around him.

Rovers bravely battled to find a way back into match after the break, but they could not force Robertson into another save.

The closest the home side came was when a David Goodwillie cut back was almost turned into his own net by Marc Smyth. Goodwillie was through on 70 minutes but from a tight angle he could not hit the target.

Rovers were booed off the park at the end by disappointed home fans, who are now hoping for a miracle in Airdrie on Saturday.