THE chairman and directors of Cowdenbeath were proud of the work of the team and backroom staff in the closing 12 games which ensured the club's survival in the Scottish Professional Football League.

In their closing 10 league games Cowden picked up 16 points and despite being seven points adrift at the start of that period, they went in to the last day with a chance of missing the Pyramid Relegation Play-off.

As it happened, results elsewhere saw the Blue Brazil have to play East Kilbride, the confident Lowland League winners but the Blues handled the tie superbly and really should have won it more convincingly than on a penalty shoot-out.

Had the form of the closing weeks of the season been mirrored throughout the campaign they could well have been involved in the promotion play-offs not the relegation shoot-out.

Manager Gary Locke and his backroom team of Billy Brown and Neil Irvine turned things around and the fans reacted well to the change in fortunes as the 1672 crowd against EK showed.

The Board of Cowdenbeath FC, at a meeting at Central Park on formally recorded its thanks to the players who they felt gave their all for the club as season 2016/17 reached its conclusion.

Said director David Allan: "Their determination and resilience as well as their tremendous team spirit was exemplary.

"The Board of Cowdenbeath Football Club also recorded its thanks to the club's management team of Gary Locke, Billy Brown and Neil Irvine.

"They did a first class job after coming on board with only around two months of the season left. Their energy, experience, commitment and professionalism re-invigorated the club such that only three defeats were suffered in our last 13 matches.

"The team spirit and confidence they helped engender was second to none culminating in our play-off win over a high flying, ambitious East Kilbride side in what was one of the most important matches in the club's long history.

"Gary led the way in an assured manner right from the date of his appointment whilst you could not ask for better Lieutenants in Billy-that great enthusiast who flew back from his family holiday in Magaluf for our last match - and Neil/Zorro - who, just as he did in his playing days, epitomised the true spirit of the Club and community of Cowdenbeath".

He added: "Now we look forward and we are already planning for next season with regards to players and seeking to strengthen our finances for the campaign through our Club 135 venture.

"Gary and the chairman will meet soon to discuss the way ahead."