Raith beat Dunfermline to reach Premiership play-off semi-final

Lewis Vaughan knocks in the opening goal at Stark's Park

Raith Rovers saw off Dunfermline to set up a Premiership semi-final play-off against Dundee, thanks to goals from Lewis Vaughan and Gozie Ugwu.

Following a tense stalemate in the first leg, there was more goalmouth action at Stark's Park.

Vaughan made the breakthrough with a cool, close-range finish on 64 minutes.

And substitute Ugwu hammered in an emphatic shot from 25 yards in the dying moments to seal victory for John McGlynn's men.

Rovers, who last played in the top flight in season 1996-97, had the bulk of early possession but it was the visitors who had the best of the opportunities.

Kevin O'Hara and Dom Thomas both warmed the palms of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald from distance before Craig Wighton was also denied by the former Hearts stopper in a one-on-one situation.

Ten minutes before the break there was another let off for the home side when a Kyle Benedictus attempt at a clearance sliced off his boot and over the head of his own goalkeeper but also inches over the crossbar.

Raith's only first-half threat came from a Keiran MacDonald shot, which had Owain Fon-Williams at full stretch to push away.

The Dunfermline keeper did not cover himself in glory when the deadlock was finally broken though.

Reghan Tumilty fired in a shot from the angle of the 18 yard box and Fon-Williams failed to hold on. Vaughan cleverly lifted the loose ball up and over the grounded keeper before touching home with his second touch.

Dunfermline substitute Declan McManus had an excellent chance to level when set up by Thomas but the striker rushed his effort, dragging his shot well wide of the target.

Jamie Gullan went close for the home side but his curling shot was just the wrong side of the post.

But, with less than two minutes left on the clock, Rovers settled any jitters with a stunning second goal as Ogwu thundered a volley into the bottom corner.

Raith manager John McGlynn: "I'm absolutely proud of the boys. I cannot give them enough praise , they've been fantastic. The semi-final gives us an opportunity now, so bring it on. Paul Smith got injured in the celebration - I've been pushed into Paul and my glasses stabbed him in the eye. He's got stitches, I've got a sore one too!"

Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford: "I'm disappointed. The players' attitude, commitment, and application was very good over the two games and I can't fault that. The boys now need to use the hurt of today to allow them to progress in their careers."