Hat-trick of wins over Methilmen
Published 4 Jan 2012 08:00
0 Comments
Share this
click to enlarge
Jordan Morton's shot flies high into the net for the opener (picture by Jillian McFarlane.
COWDENBEATH....................................4
EAST FIFE...............................................0
Attendance-684
Barr's Irn Bru Scottish Second Divison
COWDENBEATH stretched their lead at the top of the Barrs Irn Bru Second Division to six points with this convincing derby win on Monday afternoon.
The Blue Brazil made it a hat-trick of wins this season over the Methilmen with a devastating second-half performance.
Cowden had all the aces in the pack in this one. The defence, with Scott Linton continuing at left-back, kept the dangerous East Fife front two of Rob Ogleby and Ryan Wallace firmly in check.
Joe Mbu dominated in the air and with John Armstrong and David Cowan also in good form, Thomas Flynn was not over worked while the midfield took complete control in the second period, with player/boss Colin Cameron, skipper Jon Robertson and Mark Ramsay in excellent nick.
They moved the ball about the park well, despite the strong wind and second-half rain.
East Fife just could not compete in this department with their passing very inaccurate.
This led to a stream of passes to wide men, Marc McKenzie and Jordan Morton, who tormented the East Fife defence.
They both hit the target and carved out a string of chances for their team mates.
Greg Stewart saw plenty of the ball up front but while he failed to hit the net himself, he was involved in a lot of the Cowden moves which led to visiting 'keeper Mark Ridgers making a string of good saves.
Indeed, the Methil last line, on loan from Hearts, saved his side from a heavier defeat.
East Fife booked the gale force wind in the first period and had a chance in the fourth minute when Bobby Linn's corner deceived Flynn and Wallace saw his shot kicked off the line by Linton.
Six minutes later Cowdenbeath went ahead. McKenzie's clever cross field pass was met first time by MORTON and his 25 yarder flew into the top corner, a fine way for the youngster to end his loan spell from Hearts.
In 17 minutes Cowden had another chance when Linton's corner was knocked down to John Armstrong and his 14 yard shot was blocked on the line by Scott Durie.
Despite wind advantage East Fife struggled to put pressure on the home defence but on the half hour Andy Cook's cross was nodded on by Ogelby and Linn's low shot was held by Flynn. Cowden finished the half well and Linton, McKenzie and Ramsay went close to increasing the lead with well placed shots following excellent leading up work.
East Fife would have been happy to get to the break only a goal down but the second-half turned into a real test of fortitude for the visitors.
The Blues opened the second-half on the attack and in 49 minutes Ramsay's corner was finger-tipped over by Ridgers before at the other end, Linn's 20 yarder went just over the bar.
On the hour the hosts went two up. Ramsay's corner was not properly cleared and CAMERON's 30 yarder hit John Ovenstone which completely wrong-footed Ridgers.
As Cowden cominated Stewart went close but at the other end Flynn had to be on the alert to to deny Wallace. With 16 minutes left on the clock Cowden wrapped up the points. McKenzie's pass set up RAMSAY who cleverly skipped past Campbell before firing the ball wide of Ridgers from 10 yards range.
Six minutes later Ramsay's 20 yarder forced a brilliant diving save from the East Fife 'keeper but in time added on he was left helpless.
Ramsay's corner fell to McKENZIE and the little winger blasted the ball into the net to complete a great day for Cowdenbeath.
Cowdenbeath: Flynn; Cowan, Linton; Cameron, Armstrong, Mbu (Adamson 75); McKenzie, Robertson, Ramsay, Stewart (Coult 77), Morton (Milne 77). Subs not used, Naismith and Bejaoui.
East Fife: Ridgers; durie, Cook; Campbell, Ovenstone, Muir (Slaon 73); Linn, Trialist, Ogelby, Wallace, Smith (McQuade 77). Subs not used, Johnstone, Hislop and Brown.
Referee-Brian Colvin.
This article appeared in Central Fife Times 03 Jan 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
Central Fife Times Poll
Should Andy Gray and Richard Keys have lost their jobs in the Sky sexism row?
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (50.7%)
No (49.3%)
