Raith Rovers’ Premiership dreams were dashed in the cruellest of fashions as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Ross County. The Championship challengers were determined to cling to their top-flight hopes despite Thursday’s 2-1 defeat at home in the first-leg. But Simon Murray eased the home side in front on the day after just 18 minutes and strike partner Jordan White’s strike a minute after the restart effectively killed the tie as a contest.
In front of a noisy and proud 2,234-strong travelling support, creating their own ‘yellow wall’, Rovers refused to give in. But late strikes from Murray and Brandon Khela ensured a brutal finish for the Kirkcaldy outfit. Manager Ian Murray plumped for just one change to his starting line-up for the trip north.
In the knowledge his side needed to ‘go for it’, he opted to shake up his attack. In came wide men Dylan Easton and Josh Mullin, who have struggled with injuries in recent weeks, to add guile on the flanks. They replaced Aidan Connolly and striker Jack Hamilton from the first-leg.
Onto the bench came fit-again defender Keith Watson. County had stunned Raith with the ferocity of their opening at Stark’s Park. The step-up in intensity appeared to catch Rovers by surprise and it took them time to settle.
They appeared better prepare for the rematch and, after an initial flurry from the Staggies, they settled well. It was tame with his weaker foot but a Liam Dick shot on target in the ninth minute was encouraging. The sa.
