Raith Rovers vs Ross County: Scottish Premiership play-off – BBC Sport

County could have felt sorry for themselves in the Kirkcaldy rain after being dragged into the dreaded play-off position on the final day of the regular season.

Instead, they came to play. Knocking the ball around with confidence, they looked to impose themselves on their second-tier opposition – but failed to truly test Kevin Dabrowski in the first half.

The free-flowing play that has characterised a special season for Rovers suddenly sparked in a sweeping move that ended with Aidan Connolly curling inches past the post.

It was the football Stark’s Park was used to. But video referee-assisted football, Stark’s Park is not used to.

There was still a sense of inevitability about the outcome when John Beaton trotted over to the monitor.

And when Dhanda stepped up, having scored from the spot on Sunday and ignited County’s incredible play-off comeback a year ago, the same sense of inevitability was rife in Fife.

Heads bowed further when Baldwin bullied his way to goal as the Premiership outfit imposed themselves after Dabrowski had fabulously denied Eli King.

County, however, know better than most that a sizeable play-off lead is not unsurmountable. They trailed Partick Thistle by three with 20 minutes to go in the second leg last year before roaring back.

Rovers did not fancy leaving it quite so late to get a foothold back in the game, halving the deficit in a blink of an eye when Stanton prodded home.

Josh Mullin and Dylan Corr passed up big chances to complete the comeback on the night as County left with a sense of relief to have their lead intact ahead of a nervy second leg.