Raith Rovers took command of their Scottish Premiership semi-final play-off against Partick Thistle with an impressive performance at Firhill.

Rovers captain Scott Brown brilliantly volleyed his side ahead on 22 minutes with a downward strike into the turf that flew past Thistle goalkeeper David Mitchell.

The visitors controlled most of the opening period but just as Thistle got a foothold towards the end of the half, Lewis Vaughan controlled a superb volley into the top corner to finish off a devastating counter-attack.

Blair Alston got Thistle back into it with a cool finish after an incredible assist by Scott Robinson, who guided the ball into the substitute’s path with his head while flat on his back after slipping.

The teams will meet again in the second leg at Stark's Park live on BBC Scotland on Friday, with the winner of the tie facing the side that finishes 11th in the Premiership table.

Vaughan’s 19th goal of the season makes Raith, who have not played in the top flight since 1997, favourites to reach the two-legged play-off against either Ross County or St Johnstone.

Man of the match Vaughan was a threat throughout, evading Luke McBeth with a stunning touch and spin after latching onto a low Liam Dick cross and firing just wide as Rovers pressed for an opener.

It was Brown, though, who fired them ahead with his second goal of season - his first being a fine strike against Dundee United - thanks to a beautifully controlled volley.

Kerr McInroy was inches away from an equaliser with a left-foot shot that went inches past Kevin Dabrowksi’s post but as Thistle pushed forward, Vaughan doubled Rovers' lead with a clinical finish.

The introduction of Alston - who scored a famous Championship-winning goal for Kilmarnock against Arbroath - changed the tempo of the game.

After he slid home his goal midway through the second half after Robinson's astonishing assist, he sent in a terrific free-kick from which Brian Graham's glanced header needed a smart save by Dabrowski.

Graham then set Alston up but Dabrowski was again defiant with a superb reaction save and the substitute still had time to create another chance for himself with an on-the-spin volley.

It was an end to the match that ensured Ian Murray's Rovers, who finished second in table with Thistle third, will know Kris Doolan's side are not to be underestimated in Friday's return.

Partick Thistle's Kris Doolan: "In the first 45 minutes we were miles off it. Sloppy. The second half, we were far more like ourselves. I felt the game changed when Blair Alston came on - he gave us that goal threat.

"We were miles away, sinking at times. You can't do that against a team as good as Raith Rovers. Our slackness allowed them into the game.

"We changed some things second half and made substitutions quite quickly. We tightened up and we are well in the tie at 2-1.

"Raith have everything to lose, they need to hold onto a lead. There's a positive feeling and we go to Kirkcaldy with everything to gain."

Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray: "I'm very pleased. It was a tough game. We are not overzealous with our celebrations. There's still a long way to go in this tie.

"I felt we were a wee bit sloppy but over the piece of the game, I'm very happy with the team.

"We felt balls into the box and second balls would be really important. We had to get them to drop off so we could get the ball out wide and we managed to follow balls up quicker than Thistle did. We had energy."