Raith Rovers finally aspired to a league victory after a horrendous run of 11 games without a win as they defeated St Johnstone 1-0 at Starks Park.
It was a brave, committed performance by the Kirkcaldy side, with the players showing considerably more resolve under the leadership of recently-apppointed manager Gordon Dalziel than had been apparent at at any time during the reign of his predecessor Claude Anelka.
Saints had created the best of the early chances when Peter McDonald saw his 21st minute effort clip the crossbar, but it was Raith who took the lead 10 minutes before the interval when Hamed Sacko's goalbound effort was followed up by his young strike partner John Martin, who made sure by firing the ball across the line from close range, recording his first ever goal for the club.
Rovers had to bring on substitute goalkeeper Rudy Pounoussamy for the injured David Berthelot at half time, and Pounoussamy was twice called into action in the early stages of the second half as he made excellent saves from Paul Sheerin and Peter McDonald.
The Perth side fought hard in their attempts to equalise, but Raith always looked capable of scoring a second goal on the break and it was from one such attack late in the game that St Johnstone found themselves reduced to 10 men after Steve Anderson was red-carded for bringing down Sacko as the striker advanced on goal.