Jack Hamilton’s Hat-Trick Inspires Raith Rovers’ 4-1 Win Over Queen’s Park

Raith Rovers fans at Stark’s Park witnessed a stirring return to form as Jack Hamilton fired a sensational hat-trick to propel his side to a 4-1 victory over Queen’s Park, breaking a frustrating drought and reigniting hopes for a strong finish to the season. The match, played on January 24, 2026, not only ended Queen’s Park’s six-game unbeaten run, but also provided a confidence boost to a Rovers squad hungry for momentum as they head into a crucial KDM Evolution Trophy rematch.

Hamilton, the 25-year-old striker from Coldingham who joined Raith in May 2023, had been under the microscope for much of the campaign. Supporters and pundits alike questioned his output, with many pointing to his lack of goals since mid-December. But on this chilly afternoon in Kirkcaldy, Hamilton silenced his critics in emphatic fashion. “It’s brilliant. It obviously gives me a lot of confidence. I feel good after that. I feel like I should have had four,” Hamilton told Raith TV after the match, his smile reflecting both relief and ambition.

The game began with Queen’s Park eager to extend their impressive run, but it was Raith who seized control. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, when Hamilton pounced on a defensive lapse, firing a right-footed shot past Calum Ferrie. The home crowd erupted, sensing that something special might be brewing. As the first half wore on, Raith’s counter-attacking style kept Queen’s Park off balance, and just before the interval, Josh Mullin doubled the lead with a clinical finish in the 45th minute.

After the break, Queen’s Park tried to regroup, pushing forward with greater urgency. They nearly pulled one back from a corner, but the Raith defense held firm. Then, in the 54th minute, Hamilton capitalized on another defensive mix-up, heading home his second of the match. The hat-trick was completed just five minutes later, thanks to a sharp assist from Lewis Vaughan. “For the third one, Vaughany did well to get in the box and square it. He said he was going to shoot, but he saw me. I’m surprised he didn’t shoot, to be fair. It was a good finish as well on my right foot,” Hamilton recounted, highlighting the team spirit and unselfish play that characterized Raith’s performance.

Queen’s Park managed a consolation goal through Seb Drozd in the 76th minute, but by then the contest was all but decided. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-1 win for Raith Rovers, their first in five league games and only their second in the last seven. The victory lifted them to sixth in the Scottish Championship, with 28 points from 23 fixtures—a welcome reward for manager Dougie Imrie’s men.

Hamilton’s hat-trick was his first in four years, and only the second of his senior career, the previous coming in January 2022 for Arbroath. The feat doubled his league tally to six goals, with eight in all competitions this season. Reflecting on his journey, Hamilton admitted, “It’s hard being the No 9 up front. I feel like you just need to work as hard as you can, link up in your battles and don’t let things get to you if you miss chances. If you don’t hold it up, just try and get the next one. You just need to work as hard as you can and try your best all the time.”

His teammates were quick to share in the celebration. Ross Matthews, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, was effusive in his praise: “I’m delighted for Jack Hamilton. He’s a great player, a great professional and just maybe needed that bit of confidence. Hopefully that will give him it. He’s got all the attributes to go on and have an amazing career. So, I’m delighted for him.” Matthews also noted the importance of Hamilton’s resurgence for the entire squad, stating, “The success against Queen’s Park will not only give Hamilton as an individual a boost to belief, but also Raith as a collective.”

Raith’s win came at a pivotal time, with back-to-back fixtures against Queen’s Park. The next test is the KDM Evolution Trophy quarter-final, scheduled for January 27. Matthews, who captained Raith to victory in the same competition in 2022, is eager for another shot at silverware. “We won it back when we beat Queen of South in the final, which was a brilliant day. That’s probably one of the proudest moments I’ve had at Raith Rovers. I would love to replicate that when we’re here by going on to win the trophy,” he said, underscoring the competition’s importance for Championship clubs.

Off the pitch, Raith Rovers also made headlines with the acquisition of goalkeeper coach Jon Connolly, formerly of Greenock Morton. Manager Dougie Imrie, who previously worked with Connolly, expressed his delight at the new addition: “I’m really pleased to add Jon to my coaching staff. He’s someone that I know well, respect and really enjoy working with. He’s been in getting to know Josh (Rae, goalkeeper) Aidan (Glavin, goalkeeper), the rest of the players and the staff and will join myself and Andy (Millen, assistant manager) for the first time in the dugout at Queen’s Park tonight.” Connolly’s extensive experience, which includes stints at Annan Athletic and Queen of the South, is expected to strengthen Raith’s defensive unit as the season heats up.

With the KDM Evolution Trophy quarter-final looming, Raith’s emphatic league win has set the stage for a high-stakes rematch. Matthews cautioned against complacency, reminding fans and teammates alike that “that scoreline on Saturday probably doesn’t mean much going into the cup game. It’ll probably give them a bit more fire to be up for it. We know we’re going into a tough game.”

As the Rovers prepare for their next challenge, optimism is back in the air at Stark’s Park. Hamilton’s heroics, a revitalized squad, and a new coaching addition have combined to give Raith a timely lift. The question now is whether they can build on this momentum and turn potential into silverware as the season enters its decisive phase.

The action continues tonight as Raith Rovers and Queen’s Park face off once more, this time with a semi-final berth in the KDM Evolution Trophy on the line. With Hamilton in form and a renewed sense of belief, the Rovers faithful will be hoping for another memorable night under the lights.