Match Report

MATCH REPORT

Stenhousemuir v Cowdenbeath at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir  on 08.02.20

SPFL Ladbrokes League Two             Att 620

Stenhousemuir 2 [Spence 7, Hopkirk 57] Cowdenbeath 2 [Allan 28, Taylor 32]

Stenhousemuir – Smith [b90], Tiffoney [b44], Wilson, Armstrong, Burns [b15], Hopkirk, McLaughlin, Moore, Harkins, Biabi [Watters 74]  and Spence [b68]. Subs not used – Marley, McGuigan, Massouaghou, McBride, McBrearty and Halleran.

Cowdenbeath – Rae, Mullen, Hamilton [b83], Todd, Barr, Buchanan, Cox [b76], Morrison [b85], Allan, Renton [b90] and Taylor. Subs not used – Whyte, Valentine, Pyper, Thomas, Swann, Connolly, Pollock.

Referee – David Dickinson                Assistants – Ross Haswell and Andrew Craven

This match was played in really poor conditions with a strong but blustery wind making football a difficult proposition at times and it was a credit to both teams that the game played out was a fairly entertaining affair.

The Warriors were to take the lead in the 7^th minute of the game when Greig Spence scored from close range after a Jonathan Tiffoney cross from the right flank eluded the Cowdenbeath defence and Spence had the simple task of scoring the first goal of the game.

The home side came close to doubling their lead through the unlikely source of Jordan Armstrong  who hit a well struck shot that Chris Hamilton managed to block for a corner kick. It was not one way traffic though and Graham Taylor had an effort that curled just off target and this was followed by a Robbie Buchanan strike that moved in the wind and was beaten out by Graeme Smith.

The keeper though was unable to prevent the equaliser in the 28^th minute when Jordan Allan struck for the Blue Brazil when he converted a corner after the initial shot was blocked on the line.

Four minutes later Allan became the provider as his cross was met by Taylor who scored Cowdenbeath’s second goal from close range. Hamilton then tested Smith with a shot that swerved in the air and the keeper had to be alert to push the ball clear.

Cowdenbeath were at this stage dominating the proceedings and they had a great chance just before half time to extend their lead when referee David Dickinson awarded them a penalty after Kris Renton went down in the box after a challenge from Scott McLaughlin. Fraser Mullen stepped up and hit a well struck spot kick but Smith somehow managed to keep the ball out with a fine save.

That proved to be a pivotal moment in the game as Stenhousemuir equalised in the 57^th minute of the game. Gary Harkins making his debut after his release from Partick Thistle whipped in a cross after good footwork created an opening and David Hopkirk timed his run perfectly to hit a first time shot home.

That was the end of the scoring but not the drama as a number of players were cautioned before and after the end of the game with Cowdenbeath’s David Cox lucky not to see red for several indiscretions and Graeme Smith booked after the final whistle as tempers flared.