Catch - Up

A big week for Cowdenbeath began with a long trip up to Elgin for the second time in a few weeks. The last time Cowden played up there we had been quick of the blocks and scored early but this was not the case this week. Elgin were on top for most of the first half but the Cowden rearquard of Baxter, McKay, Mbu and Hodge helped the impressive Davie Hay to keep the score level. On the 43rd minute the game changed - Fairbairn was cynically brought down my Steven Mackay (who was sent off) but he couldn't find the back of the net with McNulty saving. With an extra man advantage Cowden started to turn the screw and it wasnt long before The Blue Brazil had the advantage. McGregor, who opened the scoring in the Challenge Cup clash, lept to head home Fairbairns cross and less than a minute later the Big Man John Gemmell shot home to wrap up the points.

This result put Cowden to the top of the table before the Co-Op Cup clash with ex Cowden manager Craig Levein's Dundee Utd side. In pre-season a Dundee Utd XI had ran out winners at Central Park and it was to be 2 wins out of 2 for United at Central Park. A strong Dundee Utd side included 2 ex-Cowden players - Morgaro Gomis who starred for us for half a season along with centre half Garry Kenneth who was on loan with us in the second division. A good start was needed and Cowden put on a strong opening half hour before slack defending allowed John Daly to header home from a corner at the near post. At half time Cowden were 2 nil down after Goodwillie shot home. The same 2 players scored again before John Dempster fired home after some superb skill from Paul McQaude. Daly was to prove to be the star of the show as he wrapped up his hat-trick late on.

The Saturday saw Cowden make the short journey over the Kincardine Bridge to take on Stenhousemuir. The last time Cowden were through there was on April Fools day the season Cowden won the league. Goals from Dougie Hill (now of Alloa) and Liam Buchanan (Partick) saw Cowden win 2-1 and launched us to Championship glory. Unlike the Elgin game Cowden dominated the first half but just couldn't find the net. Gemmell was posing a threat to the Stenny defence. The second half Gemmell kept posing problems but again there was to be no goal for him or indeed the Cowden team as Stenny snatched the points late on.

A week that had promised so much started well but ended poorly. Cowden have fallen 2 points behind Stenny in the championship race but it looks like it could be a good year for the Blue Brazil if we keep playing the way we are now.