THE HEAT IS VAUGHAN

Lewis puts Rovers in the Dox seat with clinching strike in dramatic Firhill semi

- MARK WALKER

RAITH talisman Lewis Vaughan added to a wonder strike from Scott Brown as the Fifers took a vital lead in the Premiership play-off semi-final.

But a late goal from sub Blair Alston means it’s set to be a cracker at Stark’s Park on Friday in the second leg as Rovers just about withstood a Thistle second half barrage.

Ian Murray’s men may have missed out on automatic promotion to Championship winners Dundee United.

But you can be certain neither St Johnstone or Ross County would relish playing Rovers in a bid to keep their top flight status – if they can get past Kris Doolan’s men again.

A fantastic strike from skipper Brown set Rovers on their way and Vaughan – who has been at Stark’s Park for 12 years – doubled the advantage before the interval, before the Jags gave themselves hope with a goal from Alston.

It was just about a deserved win for Rovers, as they silenced a packed Firhill crowd for most of the game. But Thistle will take plenty of positives from their fighting spirit as they went all out for an equaliser.

Rovers boss Ian Murray said: “We are in a narrow command but we are not over the line by any stretch of the imagination.