Nostalgia: Six of the best for Raith Rovers in Demolition Derby

The incredible win over their fierce rivals in front of 2300 disbelieving fans was their best ever win on New Year’s Day – and they could have had more.

On the few occasions that Dunfermline threatened during the game, the Kirkcaldy defence was dominant and the midfield trio of Marshall, Houston and Kerr were magnificent – the latter was rewarded by scoring one of the finest goals seen at Stark’s Park for many a day.

The match kicked off and before the Pars had even drawn breath Rovers took the lead after just 54 seconds.

Spence was fouled on the left by Crawford, and when Candlish lofted over the free kick, there was Russell rising between two defenders to head down into the ’keeper’s right-hand corner.

Goal number two arrived in 26 minutes. Keeper Walker’s massive kick from hand was head flicked on by Harris to Russell who raced into the box and delivered a precise right-foot drive low to Moffat’s right from 14 yards.

Twelve minutes later, the crowd were treated to a rare piece of artistry by Dave Thomson who lifted the ball over two defenders and sent a shot just wide with a scorching volley.

But two minutes from the interval Jim Kerr scored a spectacular third goal.

A right-wing corner by Charlie Spence was only partially cleared, and Kerr had time to let the ball bounce in front of him before unleashing a tremendous right-foot volley which screamed into the postage stamp corner high to the ‘keeper’s left.

Raith did not let up in the second half, and took only five minutes to increase their lead.

It was Dave Thomson who got his name on the scoresheet for the first time this season, heading powerfully home at the far post from a Colin Harris corner.

Colin Harris had worked tirelessly for Raith up front, and he received due reward by claiming his side’s fifth goal.

Russell flicked a beautiful pass over the despairing Dunfermline defence, and Harris was able to run on and lash the ball high past Moffat for his 15th goal of the season.

Ian Ballantyne substituted for Charlie Spence in 77 minutes.

Less than a minute after coming on he found the net with only his second touch of the ball.

Kerr swung the ball from the left to Marshall on the right side of the box, and his cutback from the bye-line was turned in at the near post by Ballantyne.

At the final whistle, Raith were deservedly given a standing ovation by the home crowd.

Raith: Walker, McDonough, Candlish, Houston, Thomson, Gillespie, Marshall, Russell, Harris, Kerr, Spence (Ballantyne 77).

Sub: Steen (not used).