Raith Rovers 1 Queen of the South 2

Last updated : 25 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Raith Rovers slumped to their fifth successive defeat, losing out to Queen of the South in a Starks Park encounter which was played against a backdrop of protest from the disillusioned Kirkcaldy fans who have clearly lost patience with the club's lack of progress since the appointment of Claude Anelka as Director of Football.

After some vocal pre-match protestations, the Raith players appeared to be delivering the perfect responsee when they took the lead with only four minutes on the clock.

A corner from Paul Millar on the right was headed into the goalmouth by defender Tony Bartholome, where the lurking Herve Ebanda steered the ball into the net from close range.

Although Queens responded positively to this setback, it appeared for a while that Raith were beginning to enjoy the type of luck which has deserted them so far this season with home defender Ryan Maxwell twice denying Paul Burns with goal line clearances.

The visitors did conjure up an equaliser just before half -time however. A 20- yard free-kick from Tommy Englsih found the net after hitting David Berthelot's right -hand post.

Rovers almost restored their lead in the early stages of the second half when substitute Lloyd Young saw his close range effort blocked on the goal line by David Bagan, but it was Queens who edged in front after 69 minutes. Doonhamers skipper Steve Bowey sent a delicate lob over the head of the stranded Berthelot for what proved to be the winner.

The protests from the home fans continued long after the final whistle as they gathered outside the main entrance of Starks Park shouting for Anelka's dismissal.