Raith Rovers 1 Partick Thistle 1

Last updated : 05 November 2005 By Footymad Previewer

The points were shared in a highly-entertaining encounter between promotion rivals Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle. Although a draw seemed a fair result, Thistle will be disappointed at their failure to take full points, especially after they missed a second-half penalty.

It was the Jags who showed the early initiative, and they opened the scoring after only five minutes through towering Finnish striker Jukka Santala.

Santala collected a low cross from Sean Kilgannon and saw his shot hit both posts before being helped over the goal-line by bemused Rovers' keeper Ally Brown.

The visitors looked to be in control at this stage with Kilgannon and Mark Roberts causing havoc on the left wing and Santala's aerial power posing problems to the Raith defence, but some excellent saves from Brown kept the interval scoreline at 1-0.

Raith equalised two minutes into the second half, Brian Fairbairn driving home from close range after Colin Stewart had parried a shot from Eddie Annand. Thistle should have regained their lead in the 66th minute when they were awarded a penalty following a push by Willie Lyle on Roberts. Kilgannon, however, sent the spot-kick well wide of goal.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the closing stages, but both defences held firm to ensure the game ended in a draw.