Saturday January 5, 2013
Irn Bru SFL Division 1
Raith Rovers
2-0
Graham 35
Clarke 61
Airdrie United
Airdrie remain winless since October after goals from Brian Graham and Pat Clarke won this game for Raith.
The Fifers were comfortable at Stark's Park on Saturday as they won in the Irn-Bru First Division for the first time in almost two months.
It was a disappointing afternoon for the Diamonds who were never in it after Raith's opener and stay in ninth place in the table.
Boss Jimmy Boyle made two changes to the team which drew 1-1 with Cowdenbeath on Wednesday at New Broomfield.
Injuries to Gregor Buchanan and John Boyle meant slots in the starting line-up for David Lilley, who was captain, and Ryan Donnelly.
The Diamonds made a bright start and could have taken the lead through Liam Watt but for a terrific Grant Anderson challenge in the 18th minute.
On-loan Kilmarnock midfielder Ross Davidson fired wide from distance before Raith opened the scoring through Graham.
Stuart Anderson won a header in central midfield and found Clarke. He fed Graham who arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
A hamstring strain saw Lilley replaced with Grant Evans in the 38th minute. Paul Di Giacomo came on for Liam Buchanan at the break.
Airdrie began the second half with more urgency but were unable to force Rovers keeper David McGurn into a great deal of work.
In the 62nd minute, the hosts made it 2-0. Reece Donaldson was fouled by Evans but won a challenge with Evans on the halfway line.
Referee Willie Collum played an excellent advantage as David Smith passed to Graham who squared for Clarke to convert.
Colin Paterson at Stark's Park.
Photographs © Robert Dalzell. Click to view full size.