A Laurie Ellis volley sent Raith Rovers to the top of the First Division, the defender's second half blast was all that separated the sides today at Victoria Park.

 

Despite being in charge now for two months this was only Willie McStay's second home game, such has been the disruption to the winter schedule.

 

With Stuart Kettlewell suspended and Michael Gardyne, Paul Lawson and Darren McCormack injured, re-enforcements added since the transfer window opened were thankfully on hand - Marc Fitzpatrick and on-loan St Johnstone man Graham Gartland both making their debuts, with Jason Marr retained at full back following a good performance in the Scottish Cup.

 

It didn't take long for Fitzpatrick to make an impression, his ball through after three minutes released Steven Craig to the right of the Raith box but the County striker cut his shot wide.

 

County continued to look bright in the early part of the game, with Raith causing little threat, it took a terrific long pass from John Baird to find Scott McBride, his strike deflecting off Scott Boyd for a corner.

 

County had another chance after 24 minutes, Barrowman turning smartly and skimming the top of the crossbar from 25 yards. Five minutes later Steven Craig found himself in a good position, but the striker chose to square to Barrowman from a good position inside the box and the pass went awry.

 

Moments later the Staggies saw some good fortune, McBride drew keeper Michael McGovern out on the left side of the box and promptly crossed to Tade, fortunately the Frenchman stubbed wastefully over the bar.

 

Play tore from end-to-end into the second half, and it was Raith that broke the deadlock, a foul on Tade bringing about a free kick, the ball from the left was headed clear but met sweetly on the volley by Laurie Ellis who struck the top of the net from the edge of the box.

 

County continued to press and had a penalty claim denied after 76 minutes when Andy Barrowman claimed Willie Dyer had downed him in the box.

 

County continued to pile the pressure on Raith with chances falling their way towards the final whistle; Mark Corcoran firing over on the volley and Fitzpatrick hitting the inside of the post after good work from Barrowman.

 

On reflection, given the chances created against what is a well organised Raith team the Staggies will be disappointed to have not taken anything from this game but can take plenty of positives into Tuesday night's Scottish Cup replay against Dundee Utd.