Raith Rovers 2-0 Dunfermline Athletic: Fifth derby win in row keeps hosts in touch with Dundee United

Sam Stanton (second right) opened the scoring

Raith Rovers secured a fifth Fife derby victory in a row this season in beating Dunfermline Athletic to maintain their Scottish Championship title push.

Alex Jakubiak and Josh Edwards went close for the visitors before Sam Stanton headed Rovers ahead after a mistake by goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet.

Dylan Easton made the points safe with 12 minutes remaining after a fine run and cross from Aiden Connolly.

Mehmet saved Callum Smith's stoppage-time penalty.

However, Rovers already secured the win that means they head to Firhill to face third-top Partick Thistle on Tuesday with a chance to narrow the gap with leaders Dundee United to a point.

Dunfermline drop to seventh after Queen's Park's 2-2 draw with Thistle.

Raith Rovers manager Ian Murray: "It was a typical derby performance of a good solid team. I felt they controlled the first half hour then we score out of nothing.

"Credit to Dunfermline today as I thought they played well again but they just can't beat us at the moment. We know that won't last so we need to enjoy it while it lasts."

Dunfermline Athletic manager James McPake: "We have had lots of possession in the final third but Raith were more desperate to score goals more than us. That's what hurts me today.

"We can look to open teams up but there is a reason Raith are where they are and we are where we are. They have that cutting edge."