Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Stenhousemuir v Cowdenbeath at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir on 14.09.19

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 605

Stenhousemuir 0 Cowdenbeath 3 [Barr 20, Cox 67, Thomas 73]

Stenhousemuir – Smith [b66], O’Neil, McKernon, Marsh [b11], Halleran [Dykes 77], McGuigan, Cook [Scullion 78], McLaughlin, A.Munro [b53], Anderson [Hopkirk 59] and Gibson. Subs not used – Marley, McIlduff, Watters and M.Munro.

Cowdenbeath – Dabrowski, Mullen [b89], Hamilton [b24], Todd. Barr. Miller [Pyper 86] Cox [Taylor 78], Buchanan [b52], Smith [Allan 86], Thomas and Renton. Subs not used – Pollock, Sneddon, Whyte and Swann.

Referee – Peter Stuart           Assistants – Michael Banks and John Stewart

After the respite from the Ladbrokes League Two campaign the previous week it was back to the weekly grind and disappointment of a home game at Ochilview.

De la Soul used to sing that “three is a magic number” and this was certainly the sentiment of the Cowdenbeath supporters who not only saw their team win on the travels for the first time in the league which happened on their third game. They also saw the Blue Brazil win their third consecutive league game scoring three goals in the process with three different players doing the damage.

Magic though can have negative connotations as well and that would have been the sentiment of the Stenhousemuir supporters as not only did they see the team slump to their third home league defeat in a row they saw them concede three goals at Ochilview for the third consecutive time.  It is fair to say that Ochilview is not a fortress at the moment.

Cowdenbeath had a scare in the 18^th minute when a long range Willie Gibson free kick swerved and was fumbled by Kevin Dabrowski. Two minutes later though the visitors were ahead. The goal was made and scored by Craig Barr. He won the ball in midfield and after showing quick footwork picked out Kris Renton on the right before continuing to run to the back post to head the subsequent cross home.

The Cowden’ keeper was caught out shortly after this by a short pass back and Mark McGuigan gained possession but after getting away from Dabrowski he was fouled marginally outside of the box by Chris Hamilton who would not have minded picking up a caution to prevent a possible goal.

David Cox forced Graeme Smith to save after skipping past his marker on the half hour and at the other end Kieran Anderson showed vision with an attempted chip that went just over with the keeper off his line and Thomas Halleran shot just wide after a good passing move.

After a fairly lively start to the second half for the home side who came close on a couple of occasions the game was put beyond doubt in the 67^th minute when David Cox was given too much time to collect a through ball on the edge of the box and took full advantage to fire home.

Alan Cook had a shot deflected in the 73rd minute that Dabrowski did well to save with his feet and the subsequent counter charge ended with Archie Thomas tucking the ball home to give Cowdenbeath a comfortable win.

The final talking point of the day came in the 83^rd minute following a collision between David Marsh and the keeper. Although Dabrowski seemed alright after being checked out by the physio he had to make a precautionary trip to the hospital afterwards. On another day Marsh may have been cautioned and therefore dismissed as he had been booked earlier but on this occasion the referee decided that although it was a foul no malice was intended.