Raith Rovers Edge Past Queen of the South to Reach Cup Quarter-Finals

Historic Cup Clash at Stark’s Park

In a closely contested KDM Evolution Trophy match on 6th January 2026, Raith Rovers reached the quarter-finals after a 1-0 win over Queen of the South as Dylan Easton netted the winner. The fixture, played at Stark’s Park before 854 attendees, proved to be one of the defining moments in Raith’s cup campaign this season.

Match Details and Key Moments

Dylan Easton netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the first half, providing the decisive moment in an otherwise tightly contested affair. Despite Raith’s dominance in possession and creating numerous opportunities, Kurtis Guthrie struck the post for Queens and Paul McMullan did likewise for Raith late on as both sides created chances on an increasingly frosty pitch. The match highlighted the competitive nature of Scottish cup football, where lower-league sides can challenge their higher-tier opponents.

Manager’s Assessment and Future Prospects

Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie admitted his side’s performance fell short of expectations. “No disrespect to Queen of the South, but I think some of our players thought that they just had to turn up to win against a League One side,” he acknowledged post-match. However, Imrie emphasised the importance of progressing in a competition he believes offers genuine silverware prospects. The Stark’s Park side last lifted the trophy back in 2022, beating Queens in the final, adding historical significance to this latest encounter.

Looking Ahead: Quarter-Final Ambitions

The victory maintains Raith Rovers’ pursuit of cup glory, with the quarter-final and semi-final draws set to be made by the SPFL next Thursday. For Scottish football fans, this match underscores the enduring appeal of cup competitions, where every game presents opportunities for drama and progression. With improved performances expected, Raith will be hopeful of mounting a serious challenge for the trophy in the coming rounds.