NEW Cowdenbeath boss Calum Elliot saw plenty in the defeat at the hands of East Kilbride to give him hope for the future.

It was Cowdenbeath’s third successive defeat as they ended the season in 15th place on 36 points.

Elliot watched from the stands but was not feeling downhearted ahead of his first game in charge this weekend.

His new side travel to Berwick Rangers on Saturday in the first round of the Lowland League Cup.

While he was disappointed to see Cowden lose out through three goals in the closing 15 minutes, he saw many positive aspects from the performance, which was handled by player/ assistant manager, Iain Davidson.

“There was really very little in the game and we ultimately paid for switching off late in the game and conceding avoidable goals,” he said at full-time.

“I thought our goal was superbly crafted, with the move of the game, but late on we were punished for some bad errors.

“It was good to see the players in action against one of the strongest teams in the Lowland League, and I am open-minded on what players could play a major role for next season and I will have another look at others in the squad at Berwick.

“Clearly we will need to strengthen in several areas of the squad for next season, but I am happy to give the lads here at the moment a chance to show me why they should be part of the plans for the future.”

Veteran defender, Iain Davidson, didn’t play on Saturday to organise the team from the dugout, but could be back in action at Berwick where the prize for the winner will be a home tie against the winner of the Dalbeattie Star against University of Stirling First Round tie.