Raith back to winning ways against Dundee

Osman Sow opened the scoring early doors for Dundee before a goal from Rovers’ captain Kyle Benedictus was followed by wonder strikes from Regan Tumilty and Kai Kennedy.

It was a much needed pick-me-up for John McGlynn’s side after the poor showing against Hearts in midweek and it saw which saw them move up to second place in the Championship ahead of the Fife derby away to Dunfermline on Wednesday.

Raith’s new loan signing Timmy Abraham started in place of Manny Duku, with Dylan Tait also coming into the starting line up to replace the suspended Regan Hendry. Adam King, who joined on loan from Dundee United on Friday was on the bench.

Dundee handed debuts to Paul McMullan, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Sam Fisher.

The match had barely started when the visitors shocked John McGlynn’s men by taking the lead.

McMullan, who would prove to be a menace throughout the match, whipped in a superb cross which Sow side footed past Jamie MacDonald after just four minutes.

It took the home side five minutes or so to regain their composure but they were soon back in the game and equalised after 22 minutes.

A Rovers corner found Dundee sleeping. Dan Armstrong played it short to Kai Kennedy. He turned unchallenged and chipped the ball to the front post where Benedictus headed in to make it 1-1.

On 33 minutes the lively McMullan hit a dangerous, curling effort just slightly too high and 60 seconds later it was Rovers turn to threaten – Kennedy played in Abraham but his shot was well saved by Jack Hamilton.

There was no further goalmouth action for the remainder of the first half, but the second 45 began with both teams pushing forward in search of a goal – it was Rovers who made the breakthrough in spectacular style.

On 54 minutes a Lewis Vaughan corner was cleared and it fell to right back Tumilty who rifled an unstoppable shot into the net from 30 yards.

Rovers were now on the front foot and six minutes later added a third in equally impressive fashion.

Teen winger Kennedy picked up the ball on the left and cut inside to unleash a beautiful curling shot high into the opposite corner leaving Dundee keeper Jack Hamilton with no chance.

Dundee pushed back, with Sow coming close with a header and a curling shot which clipped the outside of the post, but with five minutes to go it was Rovers’ turn to threaten with a shot from left back Kieran MacDonald which was pushed wide by Hamilton.

It was an excellent performance by Raith who were deserving of the three points, leaving them in second spot behind leaders Hearts.