COWDENBEATH got their Lowland League campaign back on track last night (Wednesday) with a 1-1 draw against Hearts B.

After suffering three straight defeats in their opening games, the Blue Brazil got off the mark at Ferguson Park.

Assistant Manager Colin Black was delighted with the performance, stating: “It was a hardworking performance against a very good Hearts side.

“I thought we were a bit unlucky with the decision for their penalty, but getting a positive result has been a long time coming as some of our results haven’t reflected our performances.”

MacKenzie Lemon had put Cowden ahead after the break but Hearts equalised through Connor Smith's penalty moments later.

There were three changes to the side which had narrowly lost to Gala with Dan Farrell taking over in goals from Mason McCready with David Struthers replacing Lucas Berry and the trialist sub replacing Aiden Gilmartin.

Stuart Love, who captained Oakley United in their championship win last season, was also signed ahead of the match after impressing against Gala.

In an entertaining encounter the Wee Jambos came closest to opening the scoring when Luke Rathie got on the end of a Connor Smith corner but his header came off the far post.

At the other end ten minutes later an overhead kick by the trialist almost crept in but instead came off the crossbar.

After a goal less first half the deadlock was broken six minutes into the second half when a free kick from Stuart Love saw a glancing header from trialist come off the post with MacKenzie LEMON on hand to slot home the rebound.

The joy was short-lived however as within a minute Hearts were level when Connor SMITH equalised from the penalty spot.

MacKenzie Kirk and Farrell tangled in a challenge, but it was a jersey tug from a Cowden defender which saw George Calder point to the spot.

As the Cowden defenders questioned the officials decision Hearts boss Steven Naismith grew frustrated with the delay and found himself red carded after comments made to the official.

The closing spell of the game saw Hearts press for a winner but an impressive solid display by Farrell saw him save from sub Callum Sandilands, while Fraser Pollock was denied at the back post.

Hearts: McFarlane, Smith, Darge, Tait, Pollock, Denholm, Kirk (Sandilands, 77), Gordon (Thomas, 55), Neilson, Rathie, McLuckie (Ferguson, 62). Subs not used - Stone, Dall & Chisholm.

Cowdenbeath: Farrell, Robinson, Newman, Armstrong, Lemon, Garrad (Gilmartin, 64), Thomson, Struthers, Sinclair (Donaldson, 80), Trialist (Graham, 71) and Love. Subs not used – McCready, Jarron, Osborne & Berry.

Referee: George Calder.