Raith Rovers 0 St. Mirren 3

Last updated : 18 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

St Mirren retained their unbeaten record in impressive style with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over beleaguered Raith Rovers at Starks Park.

The win keeps Saints at the top of the First Division table while Rovers remain anchored at the bottom, the Kirkcaldy side having taken only one point from their first seven league games.

The visitors began well with John O'Neill testing Raith goalkeeper David Berthelot early on and they took the lead in the 24th minute when Simon Lappin cut in from the left before placing his curving shot beyond the Frenchman's reach.

Raith retaliated with a powerful header from Moussa Ouattara which was touched onto the crossbar by Saints keeper Craig Hinchcliffe 10 minutes from half time and, in an aggressive start to the second half, the home side were denied twice by the in-form Hinchcliffe who saved superbly from both Hamed Sacko and Herve Ebanda.

The Paisley side quickly regained control however and increased their advantage in the 55th minute when veteran striker Mixu Paatelainen headed home from close range following a cross from Brian McGinty.

McGinty himself made it 3-0 two minutes later, converting a penalty kick after he had been brought down by Tony Bartholome and Paatelainen should have made it 4-0 in the closing stages, the Finnish hitman sending his shot wide from inside the six yard box.