A spectacular first-half strike from Stephen Adam, his first since joining the club in the January transfer window, helped Raith Rovers to victory over a surprisingly lethargic Peterhead side at Starks Park.
The result gave the Kirkcaldy side their first home win for almost two months and knocked a severe dent in the aspirations of the Highland outfit of securing a place in the end of season promotion play-offs.
Raith, who had failed to win any of their previous five games, began the game positively and should have taken the lead when top scorer Paul McManus found himself clean through in front of goal in the 11th minute. The Rovers striker, however, sent his shot high and wide of goal to the dismay of the home supporters.
The fans were appeased four minutes later when Gordon Dalziel's men took the lead. Adam collected the ball 25 yards from goal and let fly with a curling shot which flew past Peterhead keeper Paul Mathers and high into the top corner of the net.
The visitors were showing little appetite for the contest and could have fallen further behind midway through the first half when Raith defender Mark Campbell headed narrowly over from a Chris McLeod corner.
Peterhead manufactured their first attempt at goal early in the second half when Graeme Sharp sent his shot wide, and the Blue Toon side should have equalised in the 52nd minute when Bobby Linn was put through by Jamie Buchan only to send his shot tamely past Ally Brown's right-hand post.
The visitors did try to raise the tempo in the closing stages, but Raith held out comfortably for the three points.
A spectacular first half strike from Stephen Adam, his first since joining the club in the January transfer window, helped Raith Rovers to victory over a surprisingly lethargic Peterhead side at Starks Park, the result giving the Kirkcaldy side their first home win for almost two months and knocking a severe dent in the aspirations of the Highland outfit of securing a place in the end of season promotion play-offs.
Raith, who had failed to win any of their previous five games, began the game positively and should have taken the lead when top scorer Paul McManus found himself clean through in front of goal in the 11th minute. The Rovers striker however sent his shot high and wide of goal to the dismay of the home supporters.
The fans were appeased four minutes later when Gordon Dalziel's men took the lead. Adam collected the ball 25 yards from goal and let fly with a curling shot which flew past Peterhead keeper Paul Mathers and high into the top corner of the net.
The visitors were showing little appetite for the contest and could have fallen further behind midway through the first half when Raith defender Mark Campbell headed narrowly over from a Chris Mcleod corner.
Peterhead manufacured their first attempt at goal early in the second half when Graeme Sharp sent his shot wide and the Blue Toon side should have equalised in the 52nd minute when Bobby Linn was put through by Jamie Buchan only to send his shot tamely past Ally Brown's right hand post.
The visitors did try to raise the tempo in the closing stages but Raith held out comfortably for the three points.