Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Cowdenbeath v Stenhousemuir at Central Park, Cowdenbeath on 31.03.18

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 277

Cowdenbeath 1 [Sheerin 39] Stenhousemuir 1 [McGuigan 38]

Cowdenbeath – McGurn, Mullen, Swann, Pyper, Gilfillan[Rumsby 58], Miller [b19], Cox [b45], Malcolm [Reilly 61], Luke and Buchanan [b81]. Subs not used – McInally, Hornby, Penman and Fotheringham.

Stenhousemuir – Smith, Meechan, M.Dunlop, R.Dunlop, Donaldson, Ferry [b86], McGuigan, Paterson [Cook 76], Longworth [McMenamin 69], Paton and Ferns. Subs not used – Cunningham, Scott, McMinn and Murray.

Referee – David Dickinson    Assistants – Alastair Mather and Willie Ferguson

Although Cowdenbeath were sitting at the bottom of the table the games between the clubs so far have been fairly even affairs score wise with both sides winning at Ochilview by a one goal margin and the previous game at Central Park being a draw.

The Fifers have improved of late as they battle against a relegation play-off and were definitely the better team in the game between the sides less than a fortnight earlier where they set the tempo of the game from the start.

The Warriors who had Chris Smith back in goals were determined not to let this happen and took the game to Cowdenbeath at the start of the game but a poor corner and a poor free-kick by Eddie Ferns in the first couple of minutes brought about early doubts about how the game would progress. These feelings were heightened when a cross-shot by Harvey Swann was cleared off the line in the third minute. Smith was called into action twice being forced into making saves in the early stages. A counter attack by the Warriors though set up the best chance as Cowdenbeath were exposed at the back and there was a two on one situation but Mark McGuigan held on to long and his eventual shot was blocked for a corner.

Smith made a brave save at the feet of Robbie Buchanan in the 17^th minute though the Cowdenbeath players complained of an infringement. The closest that anyone came though to making the breakthrough though was a Nicki Paterson free-kick from 25 yards that struck the post.

Cowdenbeath responded and Jamie Pyper headed over from a corner and then Smith saved an point blank range to deny Blair Malcolm.

Eventually the deadlock was broken in the 38^th minute when Ferns made headway down the left touchline before cutting in and picking out McGuigan to head home from close range. The Warriors had little time to celebrate though as within 30 seconds of the restart Cowdenbeath were level. The goal came via a comedy of errors by Stenhousemuir allied to perseverance by Jordyn Sheerin who capitalised on the poor play and eventual slip by Ross Dunlop to fire home from close range. Just on the stroke of half time a Harry Paton glancing header was saved by David McGurn

The second period continued to be played in driving wind and rain and it was the visitors who coped best with the conditions. Eddie Ferns seemed to grow in confidence after creating the goal and another run and cross was just missed by Jamie Longworth in the 54^th minute. He then tested McGurn who made a fine stop but the Warrior should have sealed the game with two minutes remaining but he blasted over from eight yards out.

In the end though the score remained a draw with both teams picking up a solitary point on a day when both teams really needed to secure three points to help their cause.