The game was won before the interval as goals from Gary MacKenzie and Colin McMenamin put Dundee in control. However, a lacklustre second half disappointed Dens Park coach Jocky Scott.
He said: “Teams at the top of the league have to show more than we did in the second half. We’re delighted to be top, but it could have been more comfortable.”
Raith manager John McGlynn was without four first-team regulars but still named an attacking line-up with a three-pronged attack of Graham Weir, Gregory Tade and Jonny Russell. He paid for his bold selection.
Raith attacked early on, but Dundee always looked dangerous, with Paul McHale influential
His teasing ball into the penalty box in 15 minutes saw Raith’s Dougie Hill force a reaction save from his own goalkeeper, David McGurn. Mark Campbell then hauled down McMenamin as he tried to convert the rebound but, as Dens Park rose to scream for a penalty, the Dundee striker snatched at the loose ball and found the net at the second attempt.
Raith were set up to attack though, and equalised five minutes later. Dundee packed their own box, but Tade’s cutback from the right wing picked out Allan Walker at the edge of the box and his shot was diverted past Raith goalkeeper Tony Bullock by Darren Smith.
Despite the score, Dundee still had the impetus, and went back ahead in 36 minutes when defender MacKenzie back-heeled Leigh Griffiths’ ball across goal for a cheeky finish.
Raith could have gone into the break even worse off but McHale’s back-post volley flew narrowly wide as Dundee maintained the constant pressure.
McGlynn’s selection woes intensified when scorer Smith limped off in 56 minutes. After that enforced change, Raith rarely threatened in attack. However, neither did Dundee.
McHale was rarely on the ball and Dundee couldn’t capitalise on an indirect free-kick inside the Raith area in 75 minutes after Campbell obstructed Griffiths. Gary Harkins’ shot was safely gathered by McGurn.
Walker almost salvaged a draw for Raith, but Bullock denied him with a stunning save just moments before the final whistle.
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