Bairns battle to take the spoils

Falkirk 1 Raith Rovers 0 Both Falkirk and Raith Rovers had new signings to parade in this match - Falkirk's Kamill Oponga and Raith's Alvero Dejero - but not even an injection of fresh blood could add sparkle to this scrappy, battling affair.

Falkirk laid claim to the first clear clear-cut opportunity early on in the match when Kevin McAllister slotted a through ball to Lee Miller, who in turned passed to Richard Waddell but with too many touches, he shot low across the face of the goal.

With the sides evenly matched, goal-scoring chances were few and far between. It was not until 20 minutes later the Bairns had another opening. A long pass into the Raith box found Miller who, despite being in acres of space, shot over.

The deadlock was finally broken eight minutes from the interval when a cross ball from the far side found Ian Morris in the middle. He failed to control the ball which then broke to Miller who converted from 12 yards out for his second goal of the season.

The visitors refused to take this setback lying down and almost immediately forced a corner. The cross fell to Paul Browne but his shot, from some six yards out, hit the crossbar.

The Bairns had another opportunity five minutes from the half- time whistle but Waddell took too many touches and fired directly into keeper Samuel Monin's hands.

At half time Raith manager Peter Hetherston decided to switch things around, bringing Paul Hampshire and Dejero on for Jorge Zoco and Darren Henderson.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Raith when Scott Crabbe cut into the Falkirk box and passed to Andrew Smith but his two shots were blocked by the Falkirk defence. Nacho Novo then had an opportunity to put the visitors level but he flicked the shot just over the cross bar.

Copyright 2001
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.