Cowdenbeath can't find breakthrough in goalless draw

THE Blues couldn't find a way past Broomhill in an end to end match but did at least maintain their unbeaten start to the Lowland League season in front of a 300-plus crowd at Central Park last night. 

The only other team yet to lose a game are leaders East Kilbride and the huge strides forward made under new boss Calum Elliot led to a slight sense of disappointment that Cowden couldn't chalk up another win. 

That's not to say it wasn't a good match as countless shots on target, fine attacking play and great work by both goalkeepers saw Cowden and Broomhill share the spoils. 

Blue Brazil boss Calum Elliot, with assistant Kevin Smith, saw his team maintain their unbeaten record in the goalless draw against Broomhill. (Image: David Wardle)

The Blue Brazil are now five games undefeated, with two wins and three draws, and an inspired display by visiting ‘keeper Luke Scullion frustrated the life out of the home side. 

Cowden wingers Zac Butterworth and Jamie Docherty were constant threats to the Glasgow team and their creativity led to many chances, but after smashing in seven goals against Edinburgh University on Saturday, last night none were taken.

Scullion is probably one of the main reasons why Broomhill have only conceded two goals from their five outings and they defended solidly throughout, with the goalie also pulling off a series of top stops.

In five minutes Butterworth unleashed an 18 yard drive but the 'keeper dived to finger-tip the ball past the post.

This was the first of four successive corners for the Blues, but the visitors managed to keep their goal intact.

Jamie Docherty caused problems for Broomhill but Cowden just couldn't get a goal. (Image: David Wardle)

In 14 minutes Docherty made a fine run from deep, beating three defenders and his right foot shot was smothered by Scullion on the line.

Broomhill put together a good move soon after and Craig Hepburn had to advance from his line to pip former Dundonald Bluebell striker, Martin Grehan.

Butterworth’s trickery bought him space for an effort on goal which drew another fine save from Scullion, and the goalie then denied Josh Jack who had let fly from distance. 

He made another stop from Scott Walker’s free-kick to send the teams in level at the break.

Two minutes into the second half Adam Macdonald hit the Broomhill bar from a corner but the match swung to the other end and Kirk McNight sent a curling 25 yarder inches wide. 

The Glasgow men were then denied by the woodwork with Grehan’s strike thumping off the bar and Michael Miller flashed a shot just wide of Hepburn's goal. 

In 64 minutes Cowden flooded forward and sub Ciaren Chalmers pulled the trigger but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Scullion.

Butterworth and Docherty went close for the Blues while Scott Roberts and Corey O’Donnell brought out saves from Hepburn, but despite the chances created it ended up with no goals scored.

Cowdenbeath: Hepburn; Walker, Rodden, Jordan, Hill (Chalmers 45), McNab, Butterworth, MacDonald, Jack (Cunningham 70), Berry (Duncan 61)., Docherty.

Subs not used: Tait and Blair.

Broomhill: Scullion; McKnight, Ellis, Higgins, Smith, Miller, Kennedy (Hunter 69), O’Donnell, Roberts, Grehan (Wright 73), Chalmers.

Subs not used: Hunter, McPhie, Robinson, Omar and Barr.

Referee: Greg Soutar.

Attendance: 318