Raith Rovers 1 Greenock Morton 2

Last updated : 22 October 2005 By Footymad Previewer

Morton consolidated their position as main challengers to runaway league leaders Gretna in the second division promotion race with a hard-fought victory over third placed Raith Rovers at Starks Park, the Kirkcaldy side now having lost their last two home games as their own promotion aspirations begin to evaporate.

The visitors were well on top during an uninspirational first half, and they deservedly took the lead in the 32nd minute when their striking partnership of Andy McLaren and Peter Weatherson combined superbly on the edge of the Raith penalty area to set up the in-rushing Alex Walker. He advanced unchallenged before steering his effort past Ally Brown in the Raith goal.

Raith manager Gordon Dalziel made a double substitution at half-time, and the re-organised Rovers appeared to gain momentum from the change by equalising just two minutes after the restart.

The goal was credited by the stadium announcer to Raith's top scorer Paul McManus, but it appeared that the final touch was executed by Morton defender Ryan Harding who, under pressure from McManus, turned Brian Fairbairn's cross past his own goalkeeper.

Morton were back in front, within a minute, however. Defender Stewart Greacen headed home from Kevin Finlayson's free-kick.

Greacen's strike turned out to be the winning goal as the Morton defence withstood some late Raith pressure to secure all three points