Raith 0-1 Ross County

Jan 6 2008 Jordan Costello At Stark'S Park

BRASSED-OFF Derek Adams snapped back at claims County's winner should never have stood. Adams took the hump at suggestions Sean Higgins' 36th-minute goal should have been axed because Andy Barrowman was interfering with play.

But the County gaffer said: "It does not matter - we won fair and square.

"And we totally deserved to win. We hit the post and the bar. So as far as I'm concerned we would have won anyway.

"There is a long way to go but we have given ourselves a good chance and a bit of a cushion at the top."

This win over their nearest challengers gives County a huge boost in the title race.

They are now two points clear - with two games in hand.

County had Paul Lawson harshly sent off in 68 minutes but never looked under any threat until the final minute when Rovers star David Templeton fired a close-range volley that was brilliantly saved by Tony Bullock.

The keeper was delighted to help his side to the points, saying: "I was pleased to make such an important save but all that matters is the win.

"The boys showed great character after going down to 10men and defended well. It's nice to go top but there is a long way to go and we'll just keep on working."

The scoreline flattered Raith who struggled to create many chances even after Lawson had been given his marching orders.

After a cagey start County almost took the lead in the fifth minute but Andy Dowie's header flew inches wide.

The Fifers replied in 22 minutes but Alex Keddie was alert to clear the danger as Graham Weir charged in.

Five minutes later Barrowman's powerful strike was brilliantly saved by Kieron Renton's blocking legs.

Rovers had a shout for a penalty when Robert Sloan's cross appeared to hit Lawson's arm - but ref Craig Charleston waved away the claims.

And there was more controversy in 36 minutes when County took the lead.

Dene Shields' header was stopped by Renton but Higgins fired home the rebound.

However, Barrowman was on the line near the keeper and Raith claimed the striker had touched the ball as it went in - putting him offside.

But the goal stood and County nearly stretched their lead three minutes later when Higgins had an effort blocked by defenders.

In 62 minutes, Gary Miller's powerful drive cannoned back off a post as County went close.

But the visitors lost Lawson five minutes later for a rash tackle on Raith sub Ryan Borris. A straight red seemed hard on the player though.

County hit the woodwork again in 78 minutes - this time Mark McCulloch's effort came back off the bar.

Raith boss John McGlynn had no complaints, admitting: "Our best chance was at the end. Their guy on the line may have been interfering with play at the goal but the truth is we got what we deserved."

HERO

SUPER Sean Higgins may have fired the most vital strike of County's season after his half volley was all that separated the sides. His all-round play and set-piece delivery were also immense.

VILLAIN

REF Craig Charleston blew two crucial decisions. Raith claim Barrowman got a touch in Higgins' goal - making him offside - and the ref failed to show common sense by red carding Lawson.