Attendance : 362

Scorers ~ Cowdenbeath : Buchanan (86). Albion Rovers : Yardley (30, 31), Mercer (33), McManus (53).

With a triple goal blast after half an hour, Albion Rovers rocked Cowdenbeath right back on their heels and virtually sealed the destination of the points. As the Fifers had also spurned the opportunity to take an instant lead from the penalty-spot, this devastating onslaught was enough to totally demoralise them, and although two thirds of the match remained to play, there was simply no way back.

When Rovers scored a fourth goal early in the second period, it was merely rubbing salt into the already gaping Central Park wounds and in spite of a late consolation, the day belonged to the lads in red and yellow. Indeed, during the second period, some of their play was a joy to behold, but then you can do that when you’re four ahead!

Following the disappointment of the midweek extra-time defeat at Forfar, manager Peter Hetherston recast his defence, with Peter Cormack and Kevin McBride making way for David Farrell and Jordan Smith.

The Blue Brazil surged upfield from the kick-off and when Smith got in a tangle with David McInally, referee Eddie Smith immediately pointed to the spot. Only twenty-five seconds on the clock and a penalty conceded! However, Kevin Gordon’s attempt was well-read by the astonishing Chris Fahey who not only dived to block the initial shot but also managed to prevent the striker netting from the rebound. Rovers have now conceded penalties in their last three competitive matches and although the brilliant Fahey has saved two (the other was missed), a little more care at the back would stop the goalkeeper from having to be a hero every week.

Almost immediately, Fahey was again in action, this time doing well to parry a blistering drive from Gordon. In 10 minutes, Rovers as last got within striking distance of the home goal, but the final shot from Paul McManus was saved by home ‘keeper Andy Carlin and Mark Yardley’s try from the rebound was sent for a corner. Three minutes later, with Rovers gathering some momentum, an excellent four-pronged move ended with Jim Mercer heading wide of the target. Seconds later, another multi-player attack saw McManus side-foot past.

Rovers Run Riot

In 27 minutes, Kevin McAllister found Yardley who volleyed just over from about eight yards, and shortly afterwards another McManus try gained a corner. As is now usual, Jed Stirling trotted over to take the kick and when it reached the back post, big Yards soared high to power a header which could not be prevented from crossing the line. Great stuff! Within a minute the veteran striker did it again, shooting home in a crowded goalmouth. Rovers’ fans were in raptures at this and when just two minutes later, Mercer collected a McAllister pass to ram the ball firmly into the net for number three, well, even that rapture was exceeded.

From initially struggling a bit, then getting a little foothold on the game and suddenly being three up, it was frankly almost unbelievable. However, as the Cowdenbeath announcer said it was a fact, it must have been true!

To follow that with anything meaningful would have been impossible, and the interval came as a welcome relief to all.

Three minutes into the second half, Yardley had a low shot saved by Carlin, then did Rovers not go and put a spoke in any big ideas Cowden might have had of salvaging something. It was the 53rd minute when a Stirling free-kick was nodded down by Yardley to McManus who wasted no time in thumping the ball into the net. Four up, and coasting! Mind you, a couple of minutes later there was a scare at the back when Farrell, in acres of space, should have carefully ushered the ball back to Fahey. Instead, however, he decided to help it on its way - and overhit it, causing the goalkeeper to retreat rather rapidly before hooking the ball away from the line.

Excellent Play

In 63 minutes, Cowden came within inches of reducing the deficit when Ross Mathieson’s splendid shot came smacking off the junction of crossbar and post with Fahey helpless. At this stage, Rovers were completely in control and indulged in some of the best passing moves seen for a long time. They got within striking distance on a number of occasions, but had obviously used-up their quota of good fortune for the day, and the home goal survived.

To their credit, beaten Cowden kept plugging away and got something of a reward four minutes from the end when Fahey couldn’t hold fierce drive from substitute Liam Buchanan and when the ball rebounded to him about twelve yards out, he sent a looping header over the ‘keeper into the net.

Man of the Match : A tough one this, with Graeme McCaul, Kevin McAllister, Mark Yardley and Paul McManus all in the frame. However, although it’s difficult to ignore pure artistry and goalscorers, the award goes (just by a whisker) to young McCaul for his tireless industry in midfield.

Cowdenbeath : Carlin, Shand, McInally, Campbell, Mowat, Moffat (McKeown 46), Mathieson (Gilfillan 72), Winter, Fallon (Buchanan 61), Gordon, Morris. Unused Subs : Ford, Fleming.

Albion Rovers : Fahey, Paterson, Stirling, Smith, Farrell, McCaig, McAllister (McBride 90), McCaul, Yardley, McManus (Diack 81), Mercer. Unused Subs :Cormack, Selkirk, Swain.

Referee : Eddie Smith

Man of the Match : Graeme McCaul