Stanton`s Sucker-Punch Wins It For Raith

Last Saturday saw the first SPFL cinch Championship Fife Derby of the campaign, which took place at KDM Group East End Park. The two sides had met earlier on in the term, in the Viaplay Cup Group Stages, with the Cup Clash at Stark`s Park finishing 1-1.

As 7,500 fans descended upon the City of Dunfermline, on a glorious day for football, the excitement would build for what had been an encouraging start to the season. James McPake`s men would set their stall out early on, with Aaron Comrie coming closest – forcing a terrific stop from visiting goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski, to keep the scoreline level. It was Comrie`s 150th appearance for the Pars, but he couldn`t find the back of the net to celebrate.

With their only real effort at goal in the first-half, Ian Murray`s men took the lead: it came after good work by Ewan Otoo saw him thwart Callum Smith down the wing, but became the unfortunate party when his clearance ricocheted off of the former Pars attacker, who was able to cross it in for Sam Stanton to flick the ball into the net with his head at the near post.

The second period continued in a similar fashion, with Athletic doing all the pushing and probing – but unable to find the back of the net. Once again, the clearest chance fell to Stanton, once again taking advantage of a defensive error, as he drove through the centre of the park, bearing down on goal; Harry Sharp made his only real save of the match when he saved Stanton`s low effort with his feet before the danger was cleared.

Despite the best efforts of the lads on the park, it was just one of those days... the ball didn`t fall to us in the way it fell to Raith, the clinical nature of the visitors saw them take all 3 points when a draw was the least that Dunfermline Athletic deserved form Match-Day 3 in Scotland`s second-tier.

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