Former Celt Ryan Conroy helped end Sevco’s Scottish Cup dreams as Raith Rovers won 2-1 at Ibrox to book a place in the last eight of the Scottish Cup.
After a goal-less first half Conroy curled home a brilliant free kick nine minutes into the second half. Sports Direct loan striker Haris Vukvic pulled a goal back eight minutes later but once Christian Nade netted from close range in the 75th minute the result was never in doubt.
Conroy was a member of the Celtic youth side that won the 2006 double but his career nose-dived when he moved up to work with Kenny McDowall in the Celtic reserve side.
Loan spells at Partick Thistle and Queen of the South failed to bring the desired improvements before he moved to Dundee where he made over 100 appearances before joining Raith last summer.
Raith looked in control throughout the match despite having lost twice to Sevco in the league earlier this season. Manager Callum Murray had his side playing with pace and confidence as they dealt comfortably with Sevco’s predictable long ball tactics.
The defeat is likely to put further pressure on the beleaguered Ibrox board to dismiss caretaker manager McDowall who is currently working his notice period.
Of the five players brought in from Newcastle on loan only Remi Street and Vukvic made the starting XI with Street hobbling off with a hamstring strain shortly before half time.
Sevco should have been reduced to ten men before the break after Lee McCulloch put his elbow into the head of Dale Carrick then stamped on the striker as he lay on the ground. Bobby Madden felt that only a yellow card was merited.
Raith’s winning goal could best be described as a stramash with Nade poking the ball home from two yards out after Dick Foster had collided with Steve Simonsen at the front post then diverted the ball into Nade’s path.
In the three season’s since being granted SFA membership Sevco have lost cup ties to Inverness Caley Thistle, Dundee United twice, Queen of the South, Forfar Athletic, Raith Rovers twice, Alloa Athletic and Celtic.
Tomorrow’s quarter-final draw will feature Raith, Celtic, Dundee United, Hibs, Inverness Caley Thistle, Falkirk , Queen of the South and either Berwick Rangers/Spartans.
