COWDENBEATH manager Maurice Ross was very unhappy at his side not collecting their first win of the season against Dalbeattie Star.

The Blue Brazil have only two points from their first six Lowland League games and sit one point ahead of Star in the bottom two slots in the table after Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Cowden had chances to win the game but failed to add to Aiden Gilmartin's second half equaliser after trailing at the break, which frustrated the manager.

“While we were way below our best in the first period, we had a couple of openings but gave away a really bad goal from a set play,” he said.

“This has been a problem for our young players in recent weeks, and we have talked in depth about it and the defenders know what is needed of them at these situations, but on Saturday we allowed their player a free header only a few yards out and it gave them a real boost.

“We changed things at the break and really took the game to them and scored within 120 seconds, and then dominated possession, created chances but still could not get the winner, it was very disappointing.”

Ross is unhappy that the game this coming weekend is not a league game, albeit it is against fellow Lowland League side, Cumbernauld Colts, in the South Challenge Cup at Central Park.

“I was hoping that we would have a run of league games but this cup-tie has come along and it is something we will have to deal with,” he added.

“It could well give us the opportunity give a couple of players who have been out of the side recently a chance to show what they can do.

“It is a home tie and we will look to win in it and it will give the players a chance to show that they are learning fast how to improve their form.”

Injured centre-back, Daniel Martins, is ready to resume after his hamstring problem and will be a good addition to the squad.