Cowdenbeath collapse to heaviest defeat of season so far

An amazing collapse after a penalty miss saw Cowdenbeath suffer their heaviest defeat of the season so far at home to struggling East Stirlingshire on Saturday.

Cowden had dominated the second period against a strong wind and created some gilt-edged chances, but the key moment came when Darren Downie missed a second-half penalty.

'Shire, who had rode their luck in the second half, took heart from the let-off and then received another boost with an own goal from the normally reliable Sam Newman, and then two goals in the closing seconds of the game ensured 'Shire their second win of the season.

A diving save to deny Cowdenbeath(Image: David Wardle)

For Cowdenbeath, it was a strange experience as they managed to contrive to lose a game they were in charge of in terms of possession, but poor finishing and defending cost them dear.

The 'Shire took the lead in three minutes when Aodhan Taylor burst through from midfield and unleashed a 25-yard left-foot shot which flew high into the net.

Cowden tried to force their way back into the game, and Sam Newman got into a good position just inside the East Stirlingshire box, but he delayed his shot and the ball was booted out for a throw.

East Stirlingshire went close again against the strong wind when Kenzie Mitchell fired in an angled shot which was blocked by the Cowden defence.

East Stirlingshire took the lead very early on before Cowden equalised in the 23rd minute(Image: David Wardle)

The equaliser came in 23 minutes when Downie scored from close range after the visiting defence failed to clear under pressure from Jack Denham.

On the half-hour, Rhya Walker tried his luck from 18 yards and the ball flew inches wide of 'keeper Jay Cantley's right-hand post.

Seven minutes into the second period, 'Shire's Jamie Hislop got free in the Cowden half and left the home cover for dead and his low shot bounced off Dion Gear's left-hand post and went wide.

Cowden had a chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty in 67 minutes after a foul on sub Bryan Mwangi, but Cantley came to the 'Shire's rescue with a diving save from Downie's spot-kick.

Bryan Mwangi was fouled in the penalty box, but Cowdenbeath was unable to convert(Image: David Wardle)

However, four minutes later, the Blues threatened again when Sam Newman burst into the box and sub 'keeper Neil Mitchell made a fine save after he had replaced Cantley, who was injured in making the penalty save.

Then, in 79 minutes, East Stirling got a second goal.

There seemed no danger when the ball broke to Newman eight yards out from his own goal, but in trying to clear he sent the ball past his own 'keeper.

There was still time for Jack Allan and Denham to go close for the home side, then in 89 minutes a Gear foul on sub Campbell Downie saw Mark Docherty convert the penalty and in time added on Downie added a fourth to complete what turned out to be an awful day for the Blues.

Attendance - 254

Cowdenbeath: Gear; S Williamson, Newman, McLean, Denham, Wedderburn, Walker (Tomany 62), Allan, Downie, Mauchin (Watt 62), McDowall (Ness 74). Subs not used, Adamson,Cameron and Haldane (gk)

East Stirlingshire: Cantley (N Mitchell 69); Coutts, Docherty, Hobbs, Gomis (Liddell 56), McRoberts (Liddle 75), McDonald, Hislop, Taylor, K Mitchell. Subs not used, Murray, Curtis, Trialist, Campbell

Referee-David Gallagher.