Fife-star show propels Raith to pole position

The hosts went into this one having wobbled a bit the previous week before rescuing a point against Dundee, at the same time as their guests hit back with three goals in the final seven minutes to defeat Ayr.

But, on Saturday, Rovers attacked almost from the word go and built themselves a two-goal lead with a pair of quick counters, the first from a penalty.

Two more excellent goals at important times in the second half suggested a hammering could be on the cards, before Fernandy Mendy it the concluding goal late on.

Things had become a whole lot worse for Morton in the first half when Jim McAllister was sent off but his teammates showed a willingness to attack and seek at least something from the contest, even when it looked far beyond them.

Ross Matthews, involved in the incident which led to McAllister’s direct red card, weighed in with two goals on the day, while Frankie Musonda made it two headed goals in as many weeks and Dan Armstrong began the scoring from the penalty spot.

Assistant manager Paul Smith, however, said the ego-stroking over Rovers table-topping status would be kept to a minimum.

“We’re not going to get carried away with that at all but we are delighted to get 10 points out of 12,” he said. “That's two games at home, eight goals scored and nothing conceded, which is big for us.

"I have said in the past that, since me and John (McGlynn) came back, we have defensively lost too many goals at home, so it's great to keep two clean sheets as well.”

Smith added: “I thought we started the game really well, moving the ball well and with great pace in the wide area, causing them problems, and justifiably went 2-0 up.”

The players were told at half time to stay clinical in using the ball and SmithI felt that was accomplished in the second half.

"Overall, it was a great performance and a great result,” he added.

Morton 'keeper Aidan McAdams partially blocked a fierce shot from outside the box on 11 minutes by Frankie Musonda, Raith's goalscorer from last week.

There were a couple of early Rovers attacks down the left flank but Morton produced aerial clearances on both occasions, while ‘keeper Aidan McAdams partially blocked a fiecre 11th-minute shot from Musonda.

Raith were awarded a penalty after Armstrong was tripped in the box by Brian McLean and the number seven took the kick himself, scoring clinically.

The hosts made it a lot more comfortable for themselves around four minutes later with a second goal, as Ethan Ross crossed from the left in a promising attack and Musonda skilfully headed home.

Raith’s Regan Tumilty saw the day’s first yellow card on 33 minutes for a heavy challenge on Sean McGinty – but referee Willie Collum produced a straight red a couple of minutes later for Morton’s Jim McAllister. He and Ross Matthews went for a ball in the centre circle and the official didn’t like whatever it was he saw from the Morton man as the pair became tangled on the ground.

There were hints after this, however, of more determination and attacking desire from Morton, although their predicament had become far more desperate.

There was no more scoring in the first half – and what Morton could not afford was the loss of another goal early in the second.

That, however, was exactly what happened after only a couple of minutes – and what a superb goal it was.

Musonda made a diagonal run and passed to Matthews, who laid off to Armstrong. His pass to Ross was crossed into the box, where Matthews had arrived to ram the ball home. Another nail was hammered into the Greenock side’s coffin in 53 minutes when Regan Hendery made a great run and played a superb low through ball in to Matthews, who scored with a right-foot drive.

Montrose sub Rabin Omar almost made a difference around five minutes after coming on as his side continued to look for at least a consolation strike. He set off on a powerful 67th minute run and delivered a shot which skimmed the side netting.

Raith kept up the pressure at the opposite end and Armstrong shot narrowly wide on 75 minutes after a move down the right, in which Lars Lokotsch eventually found his man. Armstrong’s effort had taken a defensive deflection and Tait also went close from the ensuing corner kick.

The scoring was rounded off after another fine Rovers move in the 81st minute. A cross from the left was fired home on the volley through a crowded penalty area by Fenrandy Mendy.

Raith Rovers – MacDonald, Tumilty, Musonda, Davidson (Mendy 19), Benedictus, Armstrong, Hendry, Tait, Ross (Coulson 83), Lokotsch, Matthews (Spencer 80). Subs not used – Duku, Mahady, Arnott.

Morton – McAdams, Fjortoft, McLean, McGinty, Jacobs (Lyon 81), McAllister, Oliver, Orsi (Omar 62), Strapp, Blues, McPake (Salkeld 57). Subs not used – McGuffie, Nesbitt, MacIver, Muirhead.

Referee – Willie Collum.