How Raith Rovers took the League One title

John McGlynn’s men, disappointed to be spending yet another season in Scotland’s third tier, were expected to trail pre-season favourites Falkirk in the race for top spot, but it was the Kirkcaldy side who would prevail, spending 22 out of 28 weeks at the summit.

Rovers set out their intentions with a opening day 1-0 away win at Dumbarton, followed by a thumping 5-2 home win over Clyde, however, this was followed up with a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Stranraer.

However, with that out of their system, they went on an eight game unbeaten run, which included a 1-0 away win over Airdrie – the first of three during the season.

Sadly, a 2-1 win over Forfar during the run spelled the end of the season for striker Lewis Vaughan with a serious cruciate injury, whilst manager John McGlynn shored up his defence with St Johnstone defender Steven Anderson joining on loan.

A 2-0 defeat to Peterhead at the beginning of November saw Rovers leapfrogged by Falkirk at the top of the table and as the month ended it was Airdrie making the running sat in first place.

Raith then put together a five-game unbeaten run, the highlight being a hard-fought 1-0 away win to Montrose, but a side depleted by injuries and suspensions lost 2-0 at home to Dumbarton on December 21, their first home league defeat of the season.

One week later a rejuvenated Rovers side put on a fine performance in one of the best games of their season with a thrilling 5-3 win away at derby rivals East Fife.

Into 2020 and Rovers began the new decade with yet another win, first half goals from Gullan and Tait securing the points in a 2-1 home win over Peterhead.

A slightly disappointing 1-1 draw with second bottom side Forfar was followed by another thriller, this time a 4-3 win over Montrose in Kirkcaldy which had seen Rovers 3-0 up at half time before a spirited Mo fight back.

There were wins over Airdrie and Clyde either side of a lacklustre draw away to Stranraer – a match played in atrocious conditions causing manager McGlynn to question whether it should have been played – before bogey side Dumbarton inflicted yet another defeat on Rovers.

Little did anyone know that just two games were remaining and they turned out to be absolutely crucial if Rovers were to finish top,

Pre-season favourites Falkirk, sat in second place prior to kick off, came to Kirkcaldy on Tuesday, March 3 and for the third time the sides couldn’t be separated with a 1-1 draw, Rovers taking the lead through on loan Hearts striker, Steven MacLean.

Rovers last game of the season came the following Saturday as Forfar visited Stark’s Park and a John Baird goal proved to be the winner, not only of the 2-1 victory, but it was the goal that won the league title for Raith as Falkirk also took all three points in their 3-0 home win over Peterhead.

Rovers were champions – by a single point.