Cowdenbeath 20s 2, Stirling Albion 20s 6.

COWDEN'S youngsters were hit for six at a rain soaked New Central Park on Wednesday night against a fast moving Stirling side, writes Andy Mullen.

It took the Binos only three minutes to open the scoring when Stranger put Justin WATSON through on goal and his low shot from 14 yards crept in at the near post.

With 19 minutes gone Cowden almost drew level but Lyle Kellichan’s shot was blocked by keeper Binnie at the expense of a corner.

However, three minutes later Stirling went further ahead when a shot from McLaren was blocked by Blair Penman and Alberto VEZZA slotted home the rebound.

The Binos added to their tally in 37 minutes when Watson played the ball to VEZZA who ran into fire home his second goal of the night.

Five minutes into the second half and it was number four for the visitors when WATSON took advantage of a defensive error to bore in on the home goal to send a curving shot past Penman.

With 55 minutes gone Stirling went five up through Reg McLAREN who shot home from close range after getting on the end of a Banner knockdown following a corner.

In 64 minutes Cowden pulled a goal back when Charlie DENTON fired home a curling shot from the edge of the box.

McLAREN then got his second goal of the night with 71 minutes gone when he was set up by Watson before curling his shot home.

The scoring was then completed for the night with eight minutes to go when Ryan CONNELLY worked his way into the box before firing home in a late home rally which failed to produce anymore goals.

TEAM: Penman; Watt, Kellichan; Ovenstone, Leslie, Henderson (McConville 19); Denton, Turnbull (McManus 72), Connelly, Marks (Brown 46) & McGinty.

STIRLING ALBION: Binnie; MacDonald (Cumming 78), Lockie; Banner, Davidson, Stranger (Young 78); Martin, McMullan, McLaren, Watson & Vezza. Sub not used – Fallens.

REFEREE: Chris McNab.