JOHN McGlynn guided Raith Rovers back into the First Division thanks to a 1-0 victory at Hampden yesterday over Queen's Park. Graham Weir's first-minute goal won the game for the Kirkcaldy club and secured the Second Division championship at the expense of nearest challengers Ayr United who could only draw at home to Alloa.
McGlynn and Raith missed out in play-offs last season in what was his first full season in management. Yesterday's success represents a significant achievement for the former Hearts coach who has relied heavily on a handful of his former Tynecastle c
harges.
Striker Weir made his name with the Gorgie side and settled Raith nerves at the national stadium yesterday with a goal after only 47 seconds, his tenth of the season. He was joined in the Rovers side by two of his former Hearts team-mates, Robert Sloan and Stephen Simmons.
The home side had a penalty claim rejected in the second half and were reduced to 10 men in injury time when debutant Paul McGinn was sent off for a rash foul on Gareth Wardlaw.
Dumbarton all but clinched the Third Division title thanks to a 6-0 demolition of Elgin City. The Sons are now three points clear of second-placed East Stirlingshire with a game remaining but with a vastly superior goal difference. Derek Carcary scored four in the rout of Elgin and Denis McLaughlin and Stevie Murray also scored.
Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with Swansea City. The 26-year-old has scored 24 goals for the First Division side this season.
