Boss McGlynn praises Raith Rovers' fighting spirit

John McGlynn paid tribute to his team for playing the ugly side of the game in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Queen of the South.
Team captains Gregor Buchanan and Kyle Benedictus clash (Pic: Colin Johnstone)Team captains Gregor Buchanan and Kyle Benedictus clash (Pic: Colin Johnstone)
Team captains Gregor Buchanan and Kyle Benedictus clash (Pic: Colin Johnstone)

The Raith boss (inset) said it was a “a hard fought, well earned three points” as the Rovers rearguard stood up to second half pressure from Allan Johnston’s side as they protected their one-goal lead.

"Queens are a right good side and there's not many teams have won down there recently,” he said.

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"They have a lot of good players and they put us under a lot of pressure in the second half.

“We had to dig in and stand together. They played well and we had to deal with it, though we were still a threat on the counter attack.

“It was a different type of performance than the one we set out to play.

“We always try and play our passing, possession-based game, but on Tuesday night that wasn't so easy to do.

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“It's not a good pitch at Palmerston. It's very difficult to play good football on it so that played a part.

“The team as a whole defended really well and there were some outstanding performances in the back four.

“I was really pleased with the attitude, effort and commitment of the players.

“It was a massive win for us. Looking at the league table it puts us two points ahead of Dundee.

“We've put ourselves into a really good position.”

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With the Dens Park side not playing until Tuesday, Raith now the opportunity to open up a five-point gap between second and third in the Championship when they head to play bottom side Alloa on Saturday – kick off at noon – with Peter Grant’s men teetering on the verge of relegation.

McGlynn said: “We have a bit of a cushion now but we have to build on that. It could easily disappear and then we go into a nervy last couple of games.

“We have an opportunity to go and win the game and consolidate our position in the top four.

“We want to go and do the business but in no way will we underestimate Alloa.

“I've said before that they are the best bottom of the table team that I've seen. They're a good side.

"We will need to go there with the right attitude.”