Raith Rovers advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 victory over Dundee.
Early goals prove enough to advance to last four
Raith Rovers overcame a nervy finish to advance to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after securing a 2-1 victory in Dundee.
The visitors made the dream start as Stephen Simmons opened the scoring after only three minutes before Laurie Ellis doubled the lead shortly afterwards.
Craig Forsyth's header gave Dundee a glimmer of hope but the Rovers held on in the face of a late rally to claim a spot in the last four.
Dundee made two changes for the match with Sean Higgins coming in for Ben Hutchinson and Richie Hart starting ahead of Andrew Shinnie who dropped to the bench.
Former Rangers defender Bob Malcolm had to be content with a place on the bench after receiving international clearance from previous club Brisbane Roar during the week.
Change
Raith made only one change with Johnny Russell replacing full back Craig Wilson, who broke his arm in the midweek win over Ross County.
The healthy crowd inside Dens Park stood silent for a minute before kick-off to remember former Dundee favourite Hugh Robertson, who died yesterday aged 71.
When the match got underway, Raith made an explosive start and took the lead in the third minute.
Striker Gregory Tade flicked on an Ellis throw-in which was weakly cleared into the path of the onrushing Simmons who smashed the ball into the bottom corner past the helpless Robert Douglas.
The home side almost replied instantly but David McGurn made a neat save to collect Gary Harkins' downward header.
However, it was the visitors who doubled their advantage in the 10th minute when Allan Walker's free-kick was powerfully headed home by Ellis.
Shaken
Dundee looked shaken after their poor start but almost pulled a goal back through Hart when his low drive from the edge of the penalty area was well saved by McGurn just before the half hour mark.
Raith had the ball in the net for a third time seven minutes before the break when Graham Weir's cute volley beat Douglas but the former Hearts striker was adjudged to have strayed offside.
Iain Williamson could have added another for Raith before the break but the midfielder fired wide from close range.
Dundee were enjoying the better possession after half-time as they pushed for a goal to bring them back in the tie but the visitors were defending resolutely.
The home side went close when Griffiths' deflected shot fell kindly for Forsyth on the hour mark, but Douglas managed to push the ball over the crossbar.
Dundee set up a tense finish by pulling a goal back in the 73rd minute when Forsyth headed past McGurn from a Harkins cross.
Eric Paton fired wildly over for the hosts as the battling Raith defence survived a late onslaught from Dundee to ensure their place in the semi-finals.
