The new-look Raith Rovers side, freshened up with their three transfer window signings, proved too good for fellow relegation strugglers Forfar Athletic in a tense Starks Park encounter, the Kirkcaldy side claiming a vital three points thanks to an unfortunate own goal by the Loons' Barry Sellars.
Raith began the game in positive fashion, forcing three corners in the first two minutes as they probed for the opening goal.
New signings Stephen Adam and Steve Bonar appeared to be settling in quickly to their new surroundings with Bonar, in particular, causing problems amongst the Forfar defenders in the early stages with some impressive runs from the right side of midfield. Twice in the opening 20 minutes he tested goalkeeper Francois Dubourdeau with well struck angular shots.
Despite the extent of Raith's early pressure, it was Forfar who came closest to opening the scoring, David King's 28th minute header being touched on to the crossbar by Rovers' keeper Alistair Brown and the ball falling to David Dunn, who sent his close-range effort wide.
Raith increased the tempo as the second half progressed with veteran front man Scott Crabbe firing in a long-range effort which rebounded from the crossbar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute when Forfar midfielder Sellars deflected an in-swinging corner from Adam past his own goalkeeper for what proved to be the decisive moment in the match.