Raith Rovers are this season's Ramsdens Cup winners after John Baird's goal in extra time clinched a dramatic victory over Rangers at Easter Road. The match was goalless until the 116th minute, when Baird scored the winner. Cammy Bell did well to make a good block initially, but the ball rebounded to Raith's number 29, who stroked it under the Gers keeper. Prior to kick off, the atmosphere within Easter Road was electric, with the travelling Bears holding up a massive Rangers crest banner and blue cards. The fired-up players on the pitch responded with the early stages of the game played at a frantic pace. Richard Foster blasted a shot from 25 yards high into the Raith end of the ground before Lee McCulloch's free-kick went wide of the target. Ian Black then launched a ferocious effort from distance, which former Gers youth keeper Lee Robinson did well to palm away at full stretch. After a positive start to the game, Rangers took their foot off the gas, giving their Championship opponents the chance to edge their way into the contest. Stevie Smith came close to breaking the deadlock three minutes before the interval, but Robinson was there to make an acrobatic stop. At half-time, under-14 players from both Rangers and Raith Rovers put on a good display of goalscoring as they took part in a 'Beat The Keeper' contest. As the action got underway in the second half, it was up to the senior stars to emulate the youngsters, which was proving a bit more difficult. Nicky Law was now starting to see more of the ball, and when he cut inside from the left, his right-foot curler had plenty of power but lacked the accuracy to find the opposite top corner of Robinson's goal. With the sun now shining down on Leith and the game flowing from end to end, it was then Raith's turn to create the next chance of the game, and what a chance it was. Calum Elliot made a good run in behind the Gers defence, and when he cut the ball back to Callum Booth, the defender had plenty of space and time to look up, but he skewed his shot wide from inside the 18-yard box. Elliot himself could then have scored the opener when he latched onto a through ball, but his shot was blocked by Bell. The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, with Raith Rovers eventually winning 1-0 in extra time. John Baird's goal sparked wild celebrations among the Raith Rovers fans, who were delighted to see their team lift the Ramsdens Cup. The win was a notable achievement, and they will be looking to build on this success in the coming season. Grant Murray's side produced one last attack, and they were rewarded when Baird hit what proved to be the winner. The goal was a cruel blow for the players in blue, who put so much effort into the game but could not find the one moment of quality in front of goal which might have given them a chance of winning. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among the Raith Rovers players and fans, who were thrilled to have won the Ramsdens Cup. The team's victory was a significant achievement, and they will be looking to use this momentum to drive them forward in the coming season.
Review
Raith Rovers Claim Dramatic Victory
Raith Rovers secure a thrilling 1-0 win over Rangers in the Ramsdens Cup final, courtesy of John Baird's extra-time goal
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