U19s v Cowdenbeath

Hamish French`s side defeat local rivals in last Fife Cup match at Peffermill.

DUNFERMLINE 2 COWDENBEATH 1

Edinburgh University Playing Fields at Peffermill was the venue for the fourth and final Fife U19 Cup match against Cowdenbeath.  With Raith Rovers beating East Fife 3-1 to win the tournament this match was only for honour.

There was a strong wind on the Pars players backs as they attacked in the first half but most of the time it was too fierce and the ball swept through to the Cowden keeper.  The blue stripped stopper was certainly the busier in the first half.

Eight minutes into the game Ryan Thomson fired a low shot that brought his first real save but three minutes later a throw in down at the left corner flag found Scott McBride and although keeper parried the shot from close range the break landed for Paul WILLIS on the edge of the six yard box to stick it away.

The lead lasted all of three minutes.  A mistake by John McCulloch gave the Cowdenbeath no.11 the chance to break into the left side of the penalty box and Scott Weddell`s tackle floored the attacker.  A penalty was awarded and the same player made no mistake.

Just over five minutes later Ryan Thomson was bowled over by his marker and another penalty brought another goal.  This time it was Scott McBRIDE who converted from the spot to put the Pars 2-1 up after 20 minutes.

If number six had run in on goal you might have seen penalty taker, Scott McBride

Next the Cowdenbeath keeper pulled off a great save, outstretched to his left, to stop a Kris Maxwell drive at the end of a good break from Willis down his wing.  In 27 minutes McBride did well to beat his man and edge into the penalty box again to shoot, but his shot was deflected clear.

The second half was not so well off for goalmouth incidents and seemed to drag on a bit. Sandy Nairn`s cross from the left edge of the penalty box was nearly deflected into his own net by a Blue Brazil defender and when Willis was chopped down on the top of the D in 62 minutes there was another good chance to seal the game.  Unfortunately Gary McLachlan`s good attempt hit the Cowdenbeath wall.

Cowdenbeath finished the match pressing for the equaliser.  Craig Bauld saved a well struck shot from 20 yards and then reacted well to prevent Nairn scoring at own goal at a late corner.