Cowdenbeath 1, Annan Athletic 2.

Ladbrokes League 2

Attendance-303

DESPITE taking the lead Cowdenbeath lost their way against Annan and ended up losing the game.

The visitors were gifted a leveller shortly after the Blues took the lead, at Central Park on Saturday, and grabbed another in the second period to take all three points.

Cowdenbeath were always in the game but just could not find a goal in the second-half.

The midfield again were struggling, with Blair Malcolm having to operate at left-back as Jason Talbot was missing, and when he went forward later in the game things improved but they just could not get a leveller.

The Blues had to make a late change in their starting line-up when Jamie Pyper pulled up in the warm-up and Bryan Gilfillan replaced him. Gilfillan had a good game but ultimately it was his mistake which let Annan into the game.

Jordyn Sheerin was a constant threat to Annan and he was unlucky not to add to the goal he scored, but he was the only Blue Brazilian who was really dangerous.

Brad Smith came in and out of the game, laid on the goal, but needs more consistency.

Cowdenbeath made a good start and they forced an early corner which saw Fraser Mullen send a raking 25 yard drive which was blocked by Steven Swinglehurst.

However, in Annan’s first raid, in eight minutes, Tommy Muir’s flick was held by Dave McGurn.

Cowden’s Gilfillan mopped up a dangerous Annan attack when he chested back to Dave McGurn inside his six yard box under pressure from Aidan Smith.

In 27 minutes Cowden took the lead. Brad Smith’s cross was perfect for SHEERIN and his 12 yard volley flew high into the next.

But four minutes later Athletic levelled when Gilfillan delayed his clearance inside the home six yard box, and MUIR had the easiest of chances to score from almost on the line.

A minute after the break Annan grabbed the lead. Chris Johnston’s corner was perfect for SWINGLEHURST to head strongly into the net from close in.

Cowden hit back in 64 minutes when Sheerin fired in a 16 yard drive which produced a fine diving save from Alex Mitchell, then two minutes later Malcolm saw his effort scrambled off the line by the ‘keeper.

Annan threatened in 68 minutes when a fine piece of footwork by Johnston saw him fire a shot in which McGurn held.

Sub Kris Renton had a header booted to safety by Scott Hooper as Cowden searched for the leveller but it would not come for them.

Cowdenbeath: David McGurn (7); Fraser Mullen (6), Blair Malcolm (6); Bryan Gilfillan (6), David Marsh (7), Kyle Miller (6); David Cox (6), Robbie Buchanan (7) (Kris Renton 76 (3)), Jordyn Sheerin (7), Martin Scott (6) (Harvey Swann 61 (3)), Bradley Smith (6). Subs not used, Bryan Gilfillan, Mark Fotheringham, Pat Scullion, Harris Kay and Ryan Goodfellow.

Annan Athletic: Mitchell (8); Hooper (6), Creaney (7); Wilson (6), Sonkar (7), Swinglehurst (7); Johnston (6), Sinnamon (7), Smith (7) (Ferguson 63)(3), Muir (7) (Wallace 72 (3)), Roberts (6) (Moxon 82 (2)). Subs not used, Watson, Brannan, Wright and Trialist.

Referee-Scott Millar (6).