Declan McManus scored his third goal in as many games to earn Raith a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their play-off clash with League One Brechin at Glebe Park.
Brechin had barely threatened when they took the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Jean Yves Mvoto brought down striker Andy Jackson in the box and Ross Caldwell stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.
The Championship visitors improved after the break and hauled themselves level with 20 minutes remaining, McManus scoring with a superb 25-yard free-kick.
Raith dominated the closing stages, with Kyle Benedictus seeing a shot fumbled by goalkeeper Graeme Smith, but the home side held on.
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