Cowdenbeath 0, Berwick Rangers 1.

SPFL League 2

Attendance-380

A DISAPPOINTING result for the Blue Brazil but really they should not have left Central Park with nothing on Saturday.

They spent the second period attacking the managerless Rangers side and but for some excellent saves from goalkeeper Robby McCorrie they would have got at least a point.

But the facts are that Cowden have lost only three goals in four games but scored only twice so the statistics tell the tale.

Defensively Cowden were not as effective as in recent games and the opening goal should have been prevented.

Without a recognised striker, due to injury problems, the Blues lacked impact in attack, although Ali Smith and Robbie Buchanan tried hard throughout but when they had chances they found visiting ‘keeper McCorrie in top form.

The midfield area saw Kyle Miller and fit Fraser Mullen always involved in keeping Cowden going forward but Brad Smith struggled to get any change out of the Rangers rearguard.

In 10 minutes Cowden threatened when Kyle Miller got in a fierce 19 yarder and the ball was deflected wide and from the corner David Syme’s header was off target.

However, in 19 minutes the visitors took the lead. The unchallenged Michael McKenna sent over a fine cross from the Cowden left and no one picked up Aaron MURRELL who had a free header which he powered into the net from eight yards out.

Cowden were stunned by this strike and really struggled to put the visitors under any real pressure but in 32 minutes Buchanan’s cross was met by Ali Smith and his header went inches wide.

But in the last minute of the half former Blue Brazilian, Pat Scullion, came close to another with a 14 yard shot which went just over after a long ball into the box.

Cowden almost scored in 47 minutes when Mullen’s 20 yard free-kick produced a great save from McCorrie who then followed that up by fine saves from Mullen again and Buchanan.

Cowden kept up trying to create chances but they lacked a clear cutting edge despite hemming the opposition in for long spells.

Indeed, in the closing 15 minutes too often did the Fifers get into a good position in the Berwick half but failed to get in touch with McCorrie.

Rangers defended in depth and it worked as the home side lacked the science to create clear chances although Smith hit the post with almost the last kick.

Cowdenbeath: Joe McGovern (6); Jamie Pyper (6), Shaun Rutherford (7); Ben Stirling (6) (Cammy Muirhead 68 (3)), Scott Rumsby (7), David Syme (6); Robbie Buchanan (6), Fraser Mullen (7), Ali Smith (6), Kyle Miller (7), Brad Smith (6) (Harvey Swann 74 (3)). Subs not used, Matt McInally, Ryan Connelly, Charlie Denton, Jack Cowan and David McGurn.

Berwick Rangers: McCorrie (8); Fleming (6), McKinlay (6); Thomson (7), Scullion (7), Lavery (4) (Stewart 26 (6); Donaldson (6) (Irvine 51 (3)), Phillips (6), McKenna (6), Murrell (7) (Rutherford 70 (3)), McDonald (6). Subs not used, Fairbairn, Waugh, Watt and Brennan.

Referee-Kevin Graham (6).