Chopper is players' pick
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Iain Jenkins, Joe Mbu, Gareth Wardlaw, John Armstrong, Darren McGregor, Paul McQuade, Danny Lennon |
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John Armstrong named top player by his teammates |
Annual awards spread around the squad in vote
Central defender John Armstrong, runner-up to Darren McGregor
last season, has been chosen as "Player of the Year" by his teammates and received the Eric Mitchell Trophy at the annual
presentation of prizes held in Wee Jimmies.
It completed an eventful day for "Chopper" who had earlier captained Cowden
in the last game of the League programme only to be sent off before the interval. A former loan signing from Hearts, Armstrong
has been a consistent performer in the Cowden rearguard and the announcement of the award raised a huge cheer.
There
was a fine turnout for this gala evening hosted by David Allan on behalf of the Supporters Club and Danny Lennon, Iain
Jenkins and the players were all in attendance.
David thanked Danny and all the lads on behalf of all Cowden fans for the great enjoyment
and pleasure they had provided in 2009/10. Cowden fans (more than most) are a
vociferous, demanding bunch but all they really ask is that the team play for the jerseys.
Ally
that to the skilful, clever, attacking play we’ve witnessed this year then that's a great formula. No matter the final outcome this season, the fans are very proud of Danny and his team – the best Third
Division side the Second Division has ever seen!
The annual trophy presentation then took place and the prizes were distributed as follows:
Supporters Club Player of the Year (Central Fife Times Trophy) 1, Joe Mbu 2, Gareth Wardlaw 3, John Armstrong.
Supporters Club Young Player of the Year (John Finlay snr Memorial
Trophy). 1, Dene Droudge 2, Scott Linton 3, Jon Robertson.
Players' Player of the Year (Eric Mitchell Trophy). 1, John Armstrong 2, Joe Mbu 3, Davie Hay and Darren McGregor.
Fans' Player of the Year (Junction Bar Trophy) 1, Gareth Wardlaw 2, Joe Mbu, 3, Darren McGregor)
Top League Goalscorer (Hookey Leonard Trophy). 1, Gareth
Wardlaw 19, 2, Paul McQuade 13, 3, Scott McBride 6.
Best Individual display (The Pollock Shield). 1, Darren McGregor at Brechin 3-3, 2, Gareth Wardlaw at East Fife 2-2), 3 equal,
Dene Droudge v East Fife (h) 6-2); Joe Mbu at Arbroath 1-0; Gareth Wardlaw v Stirling Albion (h) 3-3).
Goal of the Season (One Stop Mortgages Trophy). 1 Paul McQuade (his second goal in 4-0 home win v Brechin City), 2, Darren McGregor
(v Brechin City 4-0), 3 Jon Robertson (v Peterhead 5-0).
There was a huge number of
quality goals nominated this season – we were spoiled for choice. Other
nominations included: Gareth Wardlaw v East Fife (2-2 late equaliser), John Dempster
(3-1 defeat at Brechin), Darren McGregor goals v Brechin (a) and East Fife, Gareth Wardlaw v Alloa (1-1) and Stenhousemuir
1-0, Paul McQuade v Clyde 3-1, Scott McBride v Dumbarton 3-0, Jay Stein free kick v East Fife, Jay Stein 1-0 v Clyde, and
finally Mark Baxter’s unusual use of his anatomy to score at Dumbarton.
Supporter of the Year (Lord Ewing Shield sponsored by the BLCC) - Dublin Supporters Club.
Manager Danny Lennon then took the mike to thank all the fans on behalf
of himself and his players for the wonderful backing the supporters had given this season.
He acknowledged the challenges
that lay ahead for the club and the fans but underlined he and the players were behind the fans all the way in their aims
to take the club forward.
They are also all committed
to giving their all to try and realise the goal of First Division football. Danny
was also pleased to see so many different players had been recognized with awards and indeed indicated his relief that this
year Davie Hay hadn’t won one!
Davie, though, quickly hit back to remind all and sundry that he had
indeed been named Player of the Year by our Dublin Supporters Club this season.
Gemmell bags big one!
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Fans favourite John Gemmell |
But Darren's displays earn him three prestigious awards from the
Cowden fans
Star defender Darren McGregor deservedly collected three main awards at the Cowdenbeath Supporters Club annual
Player of the Year function held at Bar 39 but was pipped for the prestigious "Central Fife Times" Cowdenbeath Player of the Year trophy by leading scorer John Gemmell.
Darren took the
highly-prized Players’ Player of the Year prize as well as the Online Player of the Year, and Fans’
Player of the Year but big John took the principal award after a tremendous season.
Supporters of the year were John Cameron and Aaron Tuson. John has been a Cowden fan since the 1960s. He was on the Committee
of the Junior Supporters Club in the Sixties, organised the Supporters’ buses back then when he was just a teenager
(plus the occasional Supporters train), helped build the boundary wall at Central Park in 1970 and in recent years raised
a five-figure sum for the club via Blue Brazil lottery sales.
Teenager
Aaron Tuson has already served on the Supporters Club committee for several years.
This season he helped along with other volunteers pre-season with the painting work at Central Park and then worked
unpaid in the club’s office for several months. Recently, he has been one
of the mainstays in running the club shop every matchday.
Following a suggestion by life member Ian Fraser, the Supporters Club also decided to honour any Cowden player
who made over 100 appearances for the club. Davie Hay and Mark Baxter were first
to be so honoured and were presented with plaques and were also both awarded Life Membership of the Cowdenbeath Supporters
Club.
Manager Danny Lennon took the microphone to thank all the supporters on behalf of himself and the players for
their loyal support throughout the season even when things did not work out as desired towards the end.
Here is the full list of honours from the event.
Supporters
Club Player of the Year (Central Fife Times Trophy) – 1 John Gemmell, 2 Joe Mbu, 3 Marek Tomana. Recent past winners were: 2008 Davie Hay, 2007 Liam Buchanan, 2006 Markus Paatelainen, 2005 Darren Gribben,
2004 Bryan Gilfillan, 2003 Davie White, 2002 Graeme Brown, 2001 Davie White, 2000 Graeme Brown, 1999 Scott Snedden, 1998 Craig
Winter, 1997 Barry McMahon, 1996 Sammy Conn, 1995 Brian Malloy, 1994 Willie Callaghan.
Supporters
Club Young Player of the Year (John Finlay snr Memorial Trophy) – 1 Danny Mackay, 2 Paul McQuade, 3 Kenny Adamson. Recent past winners were: 2008 Mark Ramsay, 2007 Pat Clarke, 2006 Liam Buchanan, 2005
Calvin Shand, 2004 Liam Buchanan.
Players'
Player of the Year (Eric Mitchell Trophy) 1 Darren McGregor, 2 John Armstrong and John Gemmell and Paul McQuade
and Davie Hay. Recent past winners were: 2008 Davie Hay, 2007 Dougie Hill, 2006
Markus Paatelainen, 2005 Innes Ritchie, 2004 Innes Ritchie.
Fans'
Player of the Year (Junction Bar Trophy) – 1 Darren McGregor, 2 Joe Mbu/Paul McQuade/Davie Hay/Mark Baxter. Recent past winners were: 2008 Dougie Hill, 2007 Dougie Hill, 2006 John Ward, 2005 Innes Ritchie, 2004 Innes
Ritchie.
Top
League Goalscorer (Hookey Leonard Trophy) – 1 John Gemmell 12 goals, 2 Paul McQuade 10 goals, 3 John Armstrong/John
Dempster/Brian Fairbairn five goals. Recent past winners were: 2008 Pat
Clarke, 2007 Liam Buchanan, 2006 Liam Buchanan, 2005 Darren Gribben, 2004 Dene Shields.
Best
Individual display (The Pollock Shield) – 1 Davie Hay (0-0 game at Albion Rovers), 2 Davie Hay (1-1 draw v Dumbarton),
3 Joe Mbu (v Stenhousemuir) and Brian Fairbairn (v East Stirling). Recent past
winners were: 2008 Denis McLaughlin, 2007 Pat Clarke, 2006 Armand One, 2005 Paul McHale.
Goal
of the Season (One Stop Mortgages Trophy) – 1 Kenny Adamson (v East Stirling), 2 John Gemmell (overhead kick v Albion
Rovers), 3 Paul McQuade (v Montrose). Recent past winners were: 2008 Pat Scullion,
2007 Pat Scullion, 2006 Mikko Paatelainen, 2005 Darren Gribben, 2004 Bryan Gilfillan.
Supporter
of the Year (Lord Ewing Shield sponsored by the BLCC) -. John Cameron and Aaron Tuson. Recent
past winners were: 2008 Jimmy Scade and Willie Nellies, 2007 Andy Mullen and David Allan, 2006 Ron and Sandy Ferguson,
2005 Willie Anderson and Jack Gilmour, 2004 Tom Ogilvie.
Blue
Brazil Online Player of the Year – 1 Darren McGregor (8 man of the match awards), 2 John Gemmell (5 awards), 3
Joe Mbu (3 awards). Recent past winners were: 2008 Davie Hay, 2007 Liam
Buchanan, 2006 Davie Hay.
Blue
Brazil Online Young Player of the Year – 1 Paul McQuade, 2 Danny Mackay, 3 Kenny Adamson. Recent past winners were: 2008 Jon Robertson, 2007 Pat Scullion, 2006 Mark Baxter.
Blue
Brazil Online Fans' Player of the Year – 1 Davie Hay, 2 Darren McGregor, 3 Paul McQuade.
Recent past winners were: 2008 Dougie Hill, 2007 Laurie Ellis, 2006 Markus Paatelainen.
Gordon - the greatest Cowden chairman
of all
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Cowden legend Gordon McDougall |
The reign of Gordon McDougall as chairman
of Cowdenbeath came to an abrupt end when he stepped down from his role on July 1, 2008.
One of the longest-serving chairmen in Scotland, Gordon sold
the club to a group of property developers but was retained as club chairman on a lengthy contract.
That arrangement ended on July 1 when he
relinquished the vital role and brought to an end one of the best spells in Cowden's history.
Gordon said it was irreconcilable differences
with new general manager and team boss Danny Lennon as his reason for quitting before the
end of his contract and was quick to stress his decision had nothing to do with the sacking of manager Brian Welsh.
"Certain things happened behind the scenes which made
it impossible for me to continue as chairman as long as Lennon was manager.
"I decided enough was enough and felt I was left with
no option but to quit. My only regret is that I won't be at Central Park to see if the talented youths make the grade.
"We had a great bunch of lads assembled over several years
by Brian Welsh but some will now be leaving the club which is a great pity.
"Finally I would like to thank everyone who helped me
bring some success to the club during the last 18 years."
Gordon's stewardship as chairman saw three
promotion-winning sides and the first championship trophy triumph in 67 years.
He also transformed Cowden from a debt-ridden outfit
which was Ł350,000 in the red into a profitable club with an outstanding youth set-up.
Around 20 staff, mainly family and friends both paid
and unpaid volunteers, also ended their official association with the club once news of Gordon's premature departure
was revealed on this site on July 1.
Treble tops for Davie Hay!
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Three awards for The Cat, |
Dougie Hill collects a
trio of fans' awards as well
Cowdenbeath Supporters Club Annual Awards
Cowdenbeath Player of the Year (Central Fife Times Trophy)
– 1. Davie Hay, 2. Dougie Hill, 3. Bryan Gilfillan.
Players’ Player of the Year (Eric Mitchell Trophy) – 1. Davie Hay, 2. Dougie
Hill, 3 Mark Ramsay.
Fans’ Player of the Year (Junction Bar Trophy) – 1. Dougie Hill, 2. Davie Hay, 3. Mark
Ramsay.
Young Player of the Year (John Finlay snr Memorial Trophy) – 1. Mark Ramsay, 2. Paul McQuade, 3. Kenny Adamson/Pat Scullion.
Lord Ewing Shield for Supporter of the Year (sponsored by BLCC) – Jimmy
Scade & Willie Nellies.
The Pollock Shield – Best Individual Display of the season – 1. Denis McLaughlin (4 goal feat at Berwick), 2.
Dougie Hill (at Hampden v Queens Park), 3. Davie Hay (v Berwick at Shielfield).
Goal of the Season (One Stop Mortgages Trophy) – 1. Pat Scullion (v Alloa away), John O’Neill (v Gretna), 3. Mark Ramsay (at Berwick)/John Armstrong (at
Ayr). Chris Fahey of Raith Rovers was voted fifth!
Hooky Leonard Trophy for top goalscorer - still to be awarded. This award
goes to the leading scorer in League matches – Cup goals are used as the decider – thus Pat Clarke leads
at present due to his two Cup goals despite Denis McLaughlin also scoring 6 in the League. Denis needs at least one play-off
goal to overtake Pat while John Dempster and Paul McQuade are still in the running)
Current leaderboard - 1. Pat Clarke 6 (8), 2. Denis McLaughlin 6 (6), 3. John Dempster 5 (5), 4. Paul McQuade 4 (4).
Dublin Supporters Club
Dublin Supporters Club Player of the Year – Dougie Hill
Blue Brazil Online awards
Blue Brazil Online Player of the Year – 1. David Hay
(7 man of the match awards), 2. Dougie Hill (5 man of the match awards), 3. John Armstrong & Bryan Gilfillan (4 man of the match awards each).
Blue Brazil Online Young Player of the Year – 1. Jon
Robertson, 2. Jamie Reid, 3. Scott
Linton.
Blue Brazil Online Fans' Player of the Year – 1. Dougie
Hill (3 Player of the Month awards), 2. Mark
Ramsay (2 Player of the Month awards), 3. David Hay, John Armstrong, Bryan Gilfillan
and Pat Clarke (1 Player of the Month award each
Blue Brazil Blockbuster winner - Carol Grant.
Cowden open with a draw
Cowden battled back to return with a 1-1 scoreline
from Arbroath on Wednesday night but only after a tremendous tussle against the Third Division side.
Few fans in the 638 crowd at rain-lashed Gayfield would
disagree the fact that Arbroath should have been at least 2-0 ahead at half-time, being denied only by an
unbelievable point-blank block by keeper Davie Hay and a brilliant goal-line headed clearance by Pat Scullion.
Shot-shy Cowden continued to struggle after the break
and it was no surprise when Arbroath went ahead through a Watson free-kick which burst through the Blue Brazil defensive
wall at the second attempt.
Although Cowden moved up a gear it took another magnificent
save by Hay to keep the score at 1-0. Then boss Brian Welsh decided to put on Dundee loan winger Scott Gates and his introduction
transformed the whole game.
Gates tormented and teased the Lichties defence and at
last Cowden were in command of the game and came close to equalising several times.
However, it took a piece of footballing magic from
star stopper Dougie Hill to produce an equaliser. He played keepy-uppy as he waltzed through the Arbroath defence and they
took the only possible option by hacking him down for a penalty.
Dougie's ecstatic celebrations BEFORE the spot-kick was
taken will live long in the memories of the Cowden fans there and fortunately Pat Scullion capped the joy by ramming home
the penalty.
It was all Cowden after that but a draw was
an acceptable outcome with the return leg of the semi-final at Central Park on Saturday and, if successful, Cowden will entertain the winners of the Stranraer
v Montrose semi-final at Central Park on Wednesday with the final decider away on Saturday, May 10.
Victory denied by Broonie
Cowden seem certain to be involved
in the relegation play-offs despite ending their dismal run of home defeats by drawing 1-1 against Alloa Athletic at Central
Park on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil maintained their recent improved form
and deservedly took the lead when a powerful header from sub John O'Neill created an opening for Paul McQuade and the young
striker finished the job in style.
A long overdue home victory seemed on the cards until
the closing minutes when former Central Park star Graeme Brown rolled in the equaliser. Even worse was the news that
fellow strugglers Queens Park had beaten Peterhead.
Cowden's season-long injury jinx continued as Bryan Gilfillan,
Mark Ramsay and Paul McQuade all limped off injured.
The Blue Brazil face promotion contenders Airdrie United
and then champions Ross County - both away from home - on the next two Saturdays before wrapping up their regular season against
Queens Park at Central Park.
Back to winning ways
Battling Cowden recorded a magnificent 3-2
victory over relegation rivals Queens Park at a rain-swept Hampden on Tuesday night to keep alive the dream
of avoiding the play-offs.
For once, Lady Luck smiled on the Blue Brazil
as the home side scorned several golden chances to score. Even better, a defensive blunder handed Cowden winger Scott
Gates a clear-cut opportunity to open the scoring and he bundled the ball over the line at the second attempt.
Three minutes later the 60-odd Cowden fans
were celebrating again when a John Dempster header was diverted into the net by Paul McQuade from point-blank
range.
The interval arrived with Cowden fans still
unable to believe their luck but the second half was a different story as confidence oozed through the whole side.
Unfortunately they failed to finish off some
fine play and the inevitable happened as the ref allowed play to continue with Bryan Gilfillan lying in a heap on
the halfway line and the ball reached the unmarked Ferry who tapped it home.
Gilfillan was subbed off and next casualty
was star defender Dougie Hill who was cynically taken out by a late tackle and did not see young Denis McLaughlin calmly
fire Cowden 3-1 ahead after several openings were squandered.
Hill played out the game as a limping striker
and although Queens scrambled home a second goal by Quinn, the Cowden youngsters - marshalled by Pat Scullion - held
on to collect a well-deserved win bonus and a standing ovation from the faithful fans.
Cowden must now produce another winning performance
against Alloa Athletic at Central Park on Saturdat to keep the dream alive.
'Reserves' lose out in
derby
Injury-ravaged Cowden put up a brave fight before eventually losing out 3-2 in
a hard-fought derby encounter against Raith Rovers at Starks Park on Saturday.
Boss Brian Welsh gave a first start to new signing Chris Shanks as well as youngsters
Denis McLaughlin, Dene Droudge and Scott Linton. But Cowden soon found themselves with a mountain to climb when they
conceded two goals inside two minutes through Goodwillie and Davidson.
However, they were thrown a lifeline before the interval with another howler
from Raith keeper Chris Fahey, who threw a loose ball into his own net despite being under no pressure whatsoever.
Cowden took heart from the bloomer and their attacking play paid off with a deserved
equaliser in 62 minutes when Paul McQuade, just on as a sub, slid the ball home after a surging run from Scott Gates split
the Raith defence wide open.
Chances fell at both ends but it was the home side who collected all three
points with a winning goal from Ian Davidson, despite the efforts of impressive young defender Dene Droudge to keep
the ball out.The Blue Brazil, battling to retain their Second Division status, now face League leaders Ross County
in Dingwall on Tuesday night before meeting fellow strugglers Queens Park at Hampden on Saturday.
Crunch game beaten by weather
Cowden's crunch match against Queens Park was called off once more on Tuesday
night. The combination of gale-force winds
and torrential rain would have turned the relegation play-off encounter into a lottery and few fans would have disagreed with
the decision to call off the Central Park fixture. The match has been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 18, kick-off 7.45pm.
The Blue Brazil, battling to retain their Second Division status, have still
to face fellow strugglers Queens Park three times but now start a daunting run of four away trips in
11 days.
A tough start in Kirkcaldy for th Fife derby on Saturday is followed in
quick succession with away fixtures against Ross County, Queens Park and Berwick.
The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club's next away trip is to Kirkcaldy for the vital
derby clash v Raith Rovers this Saturday. The bus will leave at 1.45pm from Central Park. Fares are standard
Ł6, OAP/youth Ł4 & Family Ł8. There will be a pick up in Bank Street, Lochgelly and drop off at the Beveridge Park
Hotel, Kirkcaldy for refreshment purposes. We ask all fans to support our club at this crucial time of the season.
Reserve your place by e-mailing David Allan at daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000.
Cowden's run of bad luck continued as they slumped to a 4-0 defeat by Peterhead
at a gale-swept Central Park on Saturday.
With six top-team players out of action through injury, boss Brian Welsh was
again forced to rely on his youngsters although Bryan Gilfillan was able to resume in the heart of the defence.
Despite booking the advantage of the blustery gale, Cowden turned in a
poor performance in the first half, their closest effort coming from keeper Davie Hay whose clearance had to be tipped
over the bar by his counterpart Michael Kula.
Even worse, Cowden went 1-0 down before the interval when Kenny Adamson's attempted
headed clearance beat his own keeper to gift a goal to the visitors.
Referee Steven Nicholls ended Cowden's hopes of victory when he lost the
plot early in the second half.
Firstly he awarded a ridiculous free-kick to Peterhead at the edge of the
Cowden box even although it was Gilfillan who had to be helped off for treatment.
Nicholls showed his yellow card twice in quick succession at Blue Brazil
defenders before Bobby Mann smashed the ball into the net. Gilfillan returned to the field only to be accosted by the petulant
ref who flashed a total of three yellows and a red at the bewildered defender.
Youth team player Dene Droudge came on for his senior debut and did exceptionally
well even although Ian Good and Martin Bavidge added to the Peterhead tally before the end.
Only other bright spot for Cowden on a dismal day was the impressive debut of
young striker Denis McLaughlin, on loan from Hearts.
Double disaster for Cowden
The Blue Brazil suffered a sickening 3-2 defeat after a horrendous final
seven minutes against Alloa Athletic at Recreation Park on Saturday.
Cowden were in command with a 2-1 lead after 83 minutes when the roof fell in
on Brian Welsh's side.
An unintential handball by Dougie Hill gifted the hosts an undeserved penalty
converted by Ferguson. Alloa were then reduced to ten men when Agnew walked for his second bookable offence but they still
managed to snatch a last-gasp winner through Scott.
The game ended on an even lower note for Cowden when star defender Dougie
Hill was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury.
It just wasn't Cowden's day as both John Armstrong and John Dempster were ruled
out through injury although new loan signing Scott Gates made his debut on the left wing.
Following a hard-fought - but goalless first half - Andrew opened the scoring
for Alloa soon after the restart but Cowden responded with two quick counters.
Sub Stephen Manson netted with his first touch of the ball when he steered
a Dougie Hill header past the keeper. Manson then released Mark Ramsay down the right and his tempting cross was smashed into
the net by teenager Gates.
Davie Hay kept Cowden in front with an astonishing save from a free-kick and
Cowden seemed certain to collect three precious points - until those fateful final minutes.
Cowden now occupy the relegation play-off spot and must start collecting points
soon, starting with the home fixture against Peterhead on Saturday.
Airdrie edge out Blue Brazil
The Blue Brazil narrowly failed to snatch a draw they richly deserved and instead
slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Airdrie Utd at Central Park on Saturday.
Pat Scullion almost shot Cowden into an early lead when he drove against the
post inside the first minute and Airdrie keeper Stephen Robertson made a wonder save when the rebound was slammed towards
the goals.
The game remained tight until just before the interval when The Diamonds claimed
they had opened the scoring but the referee and standside linesman disagreed, ruling that the ball had not crossed the line.
Diamonds were given a golden opportunity to take the lead just after the restart
when Mark Ramsay was adjuged to have tripped an Airdrie striker just inside the box. Cowden keeper Davie Hay came to his side's
rescue with a fine stop from the spot-kick.
The visitors finally made the breakthrough when Stuart Noble controlled the ball
in the box and hammered it into the roof of the net past Hay.
The Blue Brazil, without injured John Armstrong and suspended Jay Shields tried
everything to grab a deserved equaliser and had the best chance of the match when Stephen Manson teed up Paul McQuade inside
the box but he failed to connect with the goal gaping.
Boss Brian Welsh threw on subs David Bingham, Martin McBride and John Robertson
but the Airdrie defence held firm until the final whistle.
Supporters bus to Alloa
The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club's next away trip is to Alloa on Saturday when the bus will leave at 1.15pm from
Central Park.
Fares are standard Ł8, OAP/youth Ł6 & Family Ł12. The arduous 28 mile journey will be broken with a refreshment
stop at a hostelry in Clackmannan! Non-members pay an extra Ł2 fare for each trip.
New dates for fixtures
The Blue Brazil's game against Berwick Rangers, postponed on Saturday because of a frozen pitch, has been rearranged for Tuesday,
March 11, four days before they meet again at Central Park.
Cowden's other delayed trip - to Dingwall to face League leaders Ross County
- has been pencilled in for the previous Tuesday, March 4.
Brian Welsh's
side visit Kirkcaldy, Dingwall, Hampden and Berwick in the first eleven days of March.
The home fixture against Queens Park will go ahead at Central Park on Tuesay,
February 26, and that means three
of Cowden's next four matches are scheduled for Central Park, starting with Airdrie United on Saturday.
County handed gift goals
Cowden gift-wrapped three points to League
leaders Ross County as they slithered to a 4-2 defeat at a rainswept Central Park on Saturday.
Two own goals - the first after only 20 seconds
- left Cowden a mountain to climb but they turned in a below-par performance.
John Armstrong headed in the early own goal
and then only seconds after Ross keeper Tony Bullock had pulled off a wonder save from a Dougie Hill piledriver, Dave Armstrong
turned the ball into the Cowden net to make it 2-0.
Another defensive mix-up at the start of second
half allowed Martin Scott to prod the ball past Davie Hay to make it 3-0.
Cowden at last came to life when top scorer
Pat Clarke was subbed on with 20 minutes to go and scored with his first touch of the ball.
However another howler - this time from the
normally reliable Davie Hay - allowed Andy Barrowman to tap in from two feet and it was game over, although John Dempster
blasted in a second for Cowden in the last minute.
The Blue Brazil now travel south to face bottom
club Berwick Rangers on Saturday.
Blue Brazil beat Brechin
Cowden scored their second successive league victory when they overcame Brechin
City 1-0 at Glebe Park on Saturday.
Recent signing John Dempster was again on target when his first-half strike from
the penalty spot eventually proved the difference between the sides.
The result enabled the Blue Brazil to leapfrog the Angus outfit and take them
another step towards Second Division survival.
Cowden now tackle the high-flying league leaders Ross County at Central
Park on Saturday.
Derby day defeat
New-look Cowden suffered a 4-1 defeat in the Fife derby match against title contenders
Raith Rovers at Central Park on Wednesday.
Having freed several players in the past week including striker Scott Dalziel,
Blue Brazil boss Brian Welsh opted to give Cowden debuts to John Dempster and Stephen Manson.
However, it was not to be Cowden's lucky day, starting in the tenth minute when
Sloan opened the scoring for Raith when play continued despite defender David Armstrong lying in agony.
Armstrong was stretchered off with an ankle injury and was followed by
Brian Gilfillan with a broken collarbone. Manson, too, was unable to resume.
Before that, however, Mark Ramsay, the best player on the park in the first
half, had equalised with a textbook header.
Cowden were more than holding their own in the second half till yet another bad
break came when Pat Scullion was shown a straight red after eyeballing Sloan who somehow escaped with a yellow.
Scullion's dismissal gave Raith an obvious boost and within ten minutes Hislop
and Templeton had put them 3-1 ahead. Weir added a fourth near the end.
Another vital test faces Cowden when they entertain fellow relegation play-off candidates
Ayr United at Central Park on Saturday.
Peterhead hold on to win
Cowden slumped to their third defeat in a row when they went down 1-0 at
Peterhead on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil failed to take advantage when their opponents were
reduced to ten men with half an hour to go and must now lift themselves for the New Year derby against local rivals Raith
Rovers at Central Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Bagshaw scored the only goal of the match just after the interval but was soon
ordered off but Cowden could not capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Cowden are now firmly back into the relegation play-off dogfight but have
a fair record against the league leaders.
Cowden games frozen off
The cold snap claimed another Blue Brazil fixture when their Boxing Day trip
to Dingwall to face title contenders Ross County was called off on Christmas Day.
Freezing fog, an ice-bound pitch and sub-zero weather had earlier made it
an easy decision to postpone Cowden's scheduled fixture against Queens Park at Central Park last Saturday.
Home fans will have to wait until 2008 to see their team in action again as the
Blue Brazil travel to Peterhead on Saturday before facing Raith in the local derby on January 2.
Last week, Cowden crashed to a heavy home defeat and it was former Central Park
hero Graeme Brown who did most of the damage as Alloa Athletic cruised to a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Brown took full advantage of defensive blunders by the Blue Brazil to ram home
a hat-trick and keep Alloa a single point behind the championship contenders.
Cowden boss Brian Welsh was forced to change his strike force after leading scorer
Pat Clarke suffered an ankle injury in training.
Andy Howat deputised for Clarke while defenders Pat Scullion and Kenny
Adamson made way for John O'Neil and Martin McBride.
Alloa quickly cottoned on to Cowden's likeness for passing out of defence and
capitalised on the unforced errors with goals from Brown and Ferguson before the interval.
Cowden dominated the game at times but another two goals from Brown made it a
rout for Alloa.
McBride forced visiting keeper Jelleema into his first serious save in the 70th
minute but the game was into the closing minute before Cowden collected a consolation goal, sub Pat Scullion nodding
home a David Armstrong cross.
Blue Brazil hit the buffers
Cowden's recent winning run hit the buffers in a blizzard at Airdrie
on Saturday, the home side running out deserved 3-1 winners.
Apart from the non-stop snow, the waterlogged pitch was virtually unplayable
but Airdrie showed greater willingness and ability to cope with the conditions.
The Blue Brazil, however, made a dream start with an overdue goal from Stephen
McConalogue who slid in at the back post to crash the ball into the net after John Armstrong had powered through the
puddles and fired across the face of the goal.
Airdrie struck back with an own goal (credited to McDougall) and a free header
by Noble to earn an interval lead.
Cowden spurned a fantastic second-half chance to square matters when Mark Ramsay
unselfishly set up Martin McBride but the sub drove the ball against the keeper.
Then a poorly-defended corner enabled Russell to wrap up the points for
Airdrie who are looking like genuine title contenders.
Referee Finnie was as foul as the weather as far as Cowden fans were concerned
as he went card-crazy, including top scorer Pat Clalke's fifth caution in the last sixth games.
After three succesive away games, Cowden - now lying in sixth place - return
to Central Park on Saturday when in-form Alloa Athletic are the visitors.
Cowden go for fourth
Cowden travel to Airdrie on Saturday with the added incentive that victory would
lift them into a promotion play-off spot.
Boss Brian Welsh's side extended their remarkable unbeaten run against
Ayr United with a stunning 4-1 away victory on Saturday.
Alex Williams put the Somerset side in front midway through the first half but
Blue Brazil midfielder Pat Scullion soon levelled the score with a brilliant header.
Both teams had chances to edge ahead before Cowden blasted Ayr with a quick-fire
double on the hour mark.
Firstly central defender Dougie Hill netted his first counter of the season before
ex-junior Mark Ramsay - signed from Dundonald Bluebell - scored his first-ever goal for Cowden.
John Armstrong did likewise with a 20-yard drive to make it 4-1 as
Cowden continued their confident march up to fifth place.
The squad, under the expert guidance of Welsh and his assistants Danny Lennon
and Brian Hamilton, have tremendous spirit and no shortage of talent.
They now face yet another away game when they
travel to Airdrie on Saturday. The Supporters bus will leave Central Park at 1pm.
Cup trip to Livingston
Lady Luck did not do the Blue Brazil any favours when the draw for
the next round of the Scottish Cup was made at Hampden on Thursday.
Cowden drew a difficult away trip to Livingston and the First Division outfit
will prove a tough side to overcome.
The cup-tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 12.
Top scorer Pat Clarke slotted home an early penalty to ease Cowden into the next
round of the Scottish Cup after a ding-dong battle against Arbroath at a windy Gayfield on Saturday.
Less than five minutes into the game every one of the 595 people in the
ground apart from referee Alan Freeland saw Clarke clinically chopped down as he raced in on goal but justice was done
when his standside assistant stood firm until the award was made.
The Arbroath culprit Jamie Bishop went unpunished but there was no hiding place
for striker Paul Tosh who was dismissed for taking a swing at John Armstrong.
Armstrong was fielded in a midfield role as David Hannah commanded
the central defence and Cowden completely controlled the game despite facing the gale. Martin McBride split the
Lichties defence to send Clarke clear but the strikers effort shaved the wrong side of the post.
If Arbroath were fiercely competitive in the first half, then the ten-man
outfit were brutal after the interval and the first two challenges on Hay and Hannah warranted red cards.
Luckily they got what they deserved from their kick-on-sight tactics - a big
fat zero. And, of course, the home club are sure to be reported after a container was thrown on to the pitch near
the standside linesman.
Indeed Cowden came close to doubling their advantage through Clarke and
McConalogue but were eventually content to run down the clock.
Cowden now face two more away fixtures with League games at Ayr and
Airdrie.
Martin makes sure
Cowden ground out a gritty 1-0 victory over relegation strugglers Brechin
City at Central Park on Saturday.
Martin McBride, very unlucky not to score in the derby last week, struck
gold this time with a textbook header which kept all three points at Central Park.
The gale-force wind ensured it was not the greatest of games but the Blue Brazil,
inspired by the non-stop vocal backing from the Dublin supporters branch, showed tremendous spirit to hold on to their
lead.
McBride's winner came just after the hour mark and the victory hoisted Cowden
up into sixth place, a healthy eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Cowden now have a free week because of the Scotland v Italy showdown but
then face three away games to Arbroath, Ayr and Airdrie.
Derby defeat for Cowden
Cowden lost their first Starks Park derby since the days of Keith Wright when they went down 2-0
in the second showdown of the season against Raith Rovers on Saturday.
Blue Brazil boss Brian Welsh reshuffled his defence but his side shipped goals
to Hislop and Goodwillie before half an hour had been played.
The travelling fans stayed right behind their side and Martin McBride was unlucky
not to score when his effort hit both bar and post after a shot was cleared off the line.
Second half Cowden brought on Kenny Adamson and Stephen McConalogue and battled
in vain to reduce the leeway.
Pat Clarke had a shot cleared off the line and sub Andy Howat had a goal disallowed
but Raith deservedly collected all three points.
Hill, Scullion, Gilfilllan and McBride were booked by a fussy referee who
never entered the derby spirit. Four Raith players were also yellow-carded but not Marvin Andrews for a blatant handball.
Cowden now entertain relegation strugglers Brechin City at Central Park on Saturday.
Trip to Arbroath in Scottish
Cowden have been drawn away to Arbroath in the third round of the Scottish Cup.
The Red Lichties are currently lying in
fourth place in the Irn Bru Third Division and earned the right to meet the Blue Brazil thanks to a 5-0 demolition job on
Elgin last Saturday.
The tie will go ahead at Gayfield on Saturday, November 24.
Meanwhile, Cowdenbeath Supporters Club is running a bus to Stark's Park on Saturday for Cowden's vital derby
clash with Raith Rovers.
The bus leaves Central Park at 1.45 and will pick up in Bank Street, Lochgelly
en-route.
The team needs your support and you don't want to be posted missing given the drama last season at Kirkcaldy.
Fares are Ł6, Ł4 for OAPS/Juniors, and Ł8 for families. Non-members
pay an extra Ł2. Reserve your place by e-mailing David Allan at daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000.
Cowden paid the price for missing several early chances as they went down 2-0 to Peterhead at Central Park on
Saturday.
It was the third time the Blue Toon had beaton the Blue Brazil this season
and Brian Welsh's side have now slipped down to seventh place in the Second Division.
With skipper Mark Baxter and the four loan signings from Hearts ruled out through
injury, Cowden were always going to be up against it although veteran playmaker John O'Neil returned to the side.
O'Neil was one of several Cowden players to test Peterhead keeper Mike
Kula who deflected quite a few efforts for corners.
However, he should have had no chance when top scorer Pat Clarke twice
went head-to-head with him. Even worse, fellow striker Stephen McConalogue missed from six yards with the goal gaping.
Cowden's defence, meanwhile, had already lost the points as Andy Bagshaw and
Calum McDonald took advantage of blunders to put Peterhead 2-0 ahead after only 17 minutes.
Second half, Peterhead were content to pump high balls at Cowden who brought
on Martin McBride, Andy Howat and debutant Mark Boyle in an effort to turn the tide.
However, it took two super stops from Davie Hay to keep the game alive but it
definitely wasn't Cowden's day.
Ref Steve O'Reilly went mental with his yellow card, flashing it for harmless
trips and 50/50 tackles but then missed the worst challenge of the game when Istead followed through on Kenny Adamson. A shocker
which went unpunished while cards were shown for lesser offences by Cowden players Adamson, Anton, Clarke and Scullion.
The Blue Brazil now face the second Fife derby of the season when they
travel to Starks Park for a showdown against Raith Rovers on Saturday.
Clarke clicks with hat-trick
A magnificent hat-trick from top scorer Pat Clarke blew away Berwick Rangers
at Central Park on Saturday.
The 3-1 victory hoisted Brian Welsh's side into a play-off position - a
tremendous achievement for the injury-ravaged squad.
Skipper Mark Baxter, John and David Armstrong and veteran playmaker were among
the casualties as boss Welsh was forced to ring the changes.
And there was further bad news when left-back Kenny Adamson was carried off
with damaged knee ligaments.
In an entertaining first period Scott Dalziel hit the bar with a header but missed
a sitter while a Bryan Gilfillan effort was headed off the line. However, at the other end Davie Hay denied Danny Swanson
with a point-blank stop.
Hay again received the congratulations of his colleagues with a brilliant spot-kick
save in the second half.
Then Pat Clarke at last broke the deadlock after good work by Chris Anton only
to see Iain Diack equalise for Berwick who were down to ten men after Iain Thompson was sent off.
Then a quality cross from young Sean Mackle enabled Pat Scullion to beat keeper
Gary O'Connor all ends up with a back-post header which Clarke buried as it crossed the line.
Clarke wrapped up the points with a strong left-foot shot from the edge
of the box into the bottom corner.
The Blue Brazil now face another home fixture against Peterhead at
Central Park on Saturday.
Clarke counter clinches
win
Cowden have ended a frustrating sequence of too many draws with
an excellent 1-0 victory over Queens Park at Hampden on Saturday.
It was Brian Welsh's team's first away win of the season and the three
valuable points collected at Hampden enabled them to open up
a healthy six-point cushion over the relegation zone.
Now the Central Parkers can look onwards and upwards as they attempt to close
the three-point gap to the play-off group. Cowden now face home fixtures against Berwick and Peterhead.
After a pretty even opening period at Hampden, Blue Brazil striker
Pat Clarke broke the deadlock six minutes after the interval when he slotted home a spot-kick.
It was Clarke's second strike in successive games since his comeback and he has
now netted 20 goals since signing from Raith Rovers.
Another 1-1 draw
Cowden recorded the fourth 1-1 draw of their season when they entertained
full-timers Airdrie United at Central Park on Saturday.
But it could so easily been a Blue Brazil victory as only a cynical last-minute
foul by Marc Smyth on Cowden sub Bryan Deasley saved the Diamonds from defeat.
Smyth was deservedly sent off for flattening Deasley to deny the teenager
a clear chance of slotting home the winner at the end of an entertaining game.
Boss Brian Welsh handed a debut to Irish youngster Sean Mackle - on loan from Hearts
- while Dougie Hill, John O'Neill and Pat Clarke were all restored after injuries.
Clarke, in fact, took only six minutes to get on the scoresheet, rifling home
past keeper Robertson after evading a couple of chances.
Keeper Davie Hay was in sparkling form as Airdrie hit back but in fact the best
chance of the first half fell to Cowden midfielder Matt Doherty but his lob over the keeper came back off the crossbar.
Airdrie equalised through a Stuart Noble header early in the second half
and it was game on!
Chances were created at both ends, perhaps the smartest being Clarke's cutback
to Pat Scullion whose side-footer was somehow blocked on the line.
Several headed efforts, notably from sub Scott Dalziel and star defender
Bryan Gilfillan, were inches away from clinching three points for Cowden.
Then, of course, there was that late opening created by Dalziel for
Deasley only for him to be chopped down as he left Smyth dead for pace.
Late goal is a real sickener
An equalising goal in the fifth minute of 'injury time' denied Cowden their
first away victory of the season as they had to settle for a 1-l draw at Brechin on Saturday.
It was a sore one to take for the Blue Brazil as a deserved win would have lifted
them into fourth place but once again they got little reward for a solid display, inspired by big John Armstrong who was immense
at the heart of the defence.
Despite the advantage of the wind at their backs, Cowden made little headway
with only one effort on target during the entire 45 minutes.
Granted, Stephen McConalogue should have scored when a Mick Galloway free-kick
found him unmarked with an empty net gaping but his header cleared the bar.
Keeper Davie Hay kept the scoresheet blank with a super double save and Cowden
took the lead in their next attack when McConalogue's lob over the keeper reached Matt Doherty who netted with a a diving
header.
Cowden played better against the wind in the second period and then stepped up
a gear when first Scott Dalziel and then Andy Howat were subbed on to give Brechin's central defenders something to think
about.
Cowden created and missed several chances but seemed sure to win the game until
the referee allowed play to continue for an extra five minutes.
Inevitably, Brechin were awarded a free-kick just outside the box and King was
left with a straightforward task of steering the ball past the end of the defensive wall into the corner of the net.
|
Martin McBride is free from suspension |
Supporters' Club latest
The
Cowdenbeath Supporters Club bus to Brechin on Saturday will depart from Central Park at 12.15.
Prices
will be standard fare Ł10, OAP/Junior Ł8, and Family fare Ł16. Non-members pay an extra Ł2 fare for each trip. Reserve your
place by e-mailing David Allan at daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000
The Supporters Club
would also like to pass on condolences on behalf of all its members and the Cowden support in general to the families of two of
our veteran fans who both sadly passed away last week.
Jimmy Noble and Jack Gilmour travelled many
a mile with us over many years and their presence both at the games and on the bus will be greatly missed.
They were true Cowden fans who followed
the club through thick and thin and enjoyed the cameraderie of the Central Park faithful.
Late double dumps Cowden
A spectacular 30-yard strike from midfield star John O'Neill rocked Premier side
Gretna and earned Cowden a deserved interval lead in the CIS Insurance Cup tie played at Motherwell on Tuesday night.
However, a ridiculous free-kick awarded by notorious ref Brian Winter set up
Barr's equaliser early in the second half and Cowden were on the back foot.
The Blue Brazil defended confidently only to concede two late goals to make the
scoreline 3-1 and deny the injury-ravaged side a deserved draw.
O'Neill, unfortunately, limped off soon after his wonder strike but the other
comeback man, Davie Armstrong, lasted the full 90 minutes.
Needless to say, the Cowden contingent in the 342 crowd stayed behind to
applaud their favourites off the park.
Cowden now face a tricky trip to Brechin on Saturday with midfielder Martin
McBride available again after suspension.
Deasley hits derby winner
Young Bryan Deasley scored the only goal of the game as Cowden cruised to an
easy win over derby rivals Raith Rovers at Central Park on Saturday.
The 1-0 scoreline hardly did justice to the Blue Brazil's superiority as they
hit the woodwork four times and Marvin Andrews also cleared a net-bound effort off the line.
Cowden keeper Davie Hay, by contrast, was rarely troubled although he
did have to save a dubious penalty, awarded by a linesman.
Deasley's winner came courtesy of a 'lost cause' chase by the tireless Scott
Dalziel (pictured below) who swept a low ball across the goal for the teenager to stab home.
Deasley almost created a second before the interval but Raith keeper Renton blocked his
effort only as far as Andy Howat whose side-footer smacked off the post.
Bryan Gilfillan made a majestic return 'home' to Central Park from Peterhead
and along with his fellow defenders mopped up the endless supply of hopeful lobs pumped in by a poor side of full-timers.
Raith rode their luck after the interval as they pushed men forward only to be
caught out on the break by Cowden who were denied by the woodwork on several occasions.
Raith finished a well-beaten side as their fans made an early exit rather than
see Cowden - who didnt have a failure in their line-up - celebrate another derby victory.
*A minute's silence was observed before the game in tribute to lifelong fans
Jack Gilmour and Jim Noble who died recently.
Injury worries increase
Blue Brazil boss Brian Welsh has a substantial number of injury worries ahead
of the first derby clash of the season against Raith Rovers at Central Park on Saturday.
Cowden held their own in the derbies against their full-time rivals last
season, winning twice, but now have a mountain to climb against the unbeaten League leaders.
Club captain Mark Baxter has been laid low with a virus while star striker Pat
Clarke wont be fit to face his former teammates.
Central defenders David Armstrong and Dougie Hill are also doubtful as is playmaker
John O'Neil.
Cowden are still searching for their first League win of the season and it will
require a supreme effort to topple Raith, odds on favourites with the bookies.
Admission to the game, incidentally, will be increased to Ł12 to cover extra
policing costs.
*Cowden fans were saddened this week to hear of the death of veteran supporter Jim
Noble of St Monans. A former maths teacher at Beath High School, Jim loved his football and for many years was a season-ticket
holder at both Central Park and Bayview.
Cowden share the spoils
Cowden battled back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point against full-time Ross
County at a rain-soaked Central Park.
The scoreline remained blank at the interval but County took the lead immediately
after the restart when Barrowman shot high into the net. Ten minutes later, the visitors were 2-0 up, thanks to a superb strike
from Adams.
Things looked bleak for Cowden but Scott Dalziel gave the home fans some hope
with a tap-in after the County keeper had completely misjudged a corner kick. Dalziel was unlucky not to equalise shortly
afterwards when his shot from the edge of the box crashed against the bar.
The Blue Brazil kept battling and were rewarded with a levelling goal five minutes
from time. Dalziel knocked down a cross for substitute Andy Howat to bundle the ball into the net. But Howat marred his debut
league performance by being given a straight red card in the closing stages.
Another Peterhead trip
Blue Brazil supporters are facing a second trip to Peterhead within a few
days after Cowden were drawn away to the Blue Toun in the first round of the Challenge Cup.
Brian Welsh's side are due to travel north on League business on Saturday,
August 18, but will now have to fit in an extra midweek trip before the League clash.
Cowden fans face a trip over the border to Berwick for the opening League
fixture of the season but will be staying at home in midweek
The draw for the first round of the CIS Insurance Cup saw Cowden coupled
with Dumbarton and the tie has been pencilled in for Central Park on Tuesday, August 7.
The first home League fixture at Central Park is on August 11 when Ross
County visit the kingdom.
Manager |Brian Welsh and assistant Danny Lennon are well ahead with the build-up to
the new season and saw their team put up a creditable display against Bristol Rovers despite losing 2-1 at Central Park.
Bus
over the Border
'At the Cowdenbeath
Supporters Club’s AGM held at Wee Jimmies it was agreed to hold subscriptions at the same level as last year. Thus standard memberships are Ł7, with Ł9 for family membership and Ł5 for OAP/junior membership.
Renewals should
be paid to the Treasurer David Allan as soon as possible. In addition, Life Membership
of the Supporters Club is now available at the bargain, one-off price of Ł50 per person.
The Supporters Club is again running a bus to each away game this campaign. The
bus for Berwick Rangers on Saturday will depart from Central Park at 11.45am. Standard fare is Ł11 (with Ł18 family
fare and Ł9 for juniors/oaps). Non-members pay an extra Ł2 fare. Reserve your place by e-mailing David Allan at daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000.
Border raid for starters
Blue Brazil fans will be on the march across the border when the new Second
Division campaign starts on Saturday, August 4.
Cowden have been scheduled to visit newly-promoted Berwick Rangers in their opening
fixture and that looks a tough start for Brian Welsh's side.
Players' "Player of the Year" Dougie Hill will be suspended for the opener after
being sent off along with star midfielder Davie Armstrong in the last game of the season.
First League game at Central Park is on August 11 when new boss Dick
Campbell brings his relegated Ross County side to town.
Liam lifts the top award
Blue Brazil fans held their annual awards ceremony in the Clansman Hotel when
the main award was the Supporters
Player of the Year trophy sponsored by the Central Fife Times.
This year the hugely-popular winner was striker
Liam Buchanan who also retained the Hookey Leonard trophy as Cowden’s top goalscorer and won the Willie Mercer
Trophy as the Blue Brazil online player of the year.
Star defender Dougie Hill collected the Players' Player of the Year and the Eric
Mitchell Trophy with skipper Mark Baxter runner-up. Dougie also lifted the Junction
Bar star player trophy.
Striker Pat Clarke too was among the honours being awarded the John Finlay Young
Player of the Year Trophy as well as the Pollock Shield for the best individual performance by a player in a match. Pat’s five-goal spree at Stranraer made certain he was
a runaway winner of this accolade.
Another two-time winner was Pat Scullion
who was presented with the Joe Ferguson Trophy as the Blue Brazil Online’s Young Player of the Year while his wonder
goal at Ayr earned him the One Stop Mortgages Trophy for goal of the season, pipping Pat Clarke's Stranraer stunner by
a single vote.
Left-back Laurie Ellis was named as the Blue Brazil online Fans’ player
of the year and received the Willie Anderson Trophy.
Finally, long-serving Cowdenbeath
programme editor Andy Mullen and club historian David Allan were jointly awarded the Lord Ewing Shield sponsored by the BLCC
as Supporters of the Year.
Manager Brian Welsh paid tribute to his players and their achievements over the
course of the season and he along with captain Mark Baxter and Liam Buchanan thanked the fans for all their support over the
campaign.
Supporters Club Awards – Full Results
Player of the Year – 1 Liam Buchanan. 2
Dougie Hill. 3 Pat Clarke.
Fans’ Star Player of the Year – 1
Dougie Hill. 2 Liam Buchanan. 3 Mark Baxter.
Players’ Player of the Year – 1 Dougie Hill. 2 Mark Baxter. 3
(equal) Liam Buchanan and Davie Hay.
Young Player of the Year – 1 Pat Clarke. 2
Pat Scullion. 3(equal) Scott Dalziel and Kyle Allison.
Top scorer – 1 Liam Buchanan. 2 Pat Clarke. 3 Markus Paatelainen.
Goal of the season - 1 Pat Scullion v Ayr. 2 Pat Clarke v Sranraer 3 Mark Baxter
v Ayr
Best Individual Performance – 1 Pat Clarke v Stranraer. 2 Morgaro Gomis v Raith. 3
Dougie Hill v Brechin.
Supporters of the Year – Dave Allan and Andy Mullen.
Blue Brazil see red!
Cowden finished the season with a 1-0 defeat at Brechin
but the main talking point was the two red cards handed out in the dying seconds of an otherwise lacklustre encounter.
Young defender David Armstrong was given his marching orders for tripping a Brechin
forward who was racing through on goal. This prompted a stramash involving several players, with the referee picking
out another Cowden defender - Dougie Hill - and sending him too for an early bath.
Brechin had taken the lead after 75 minutes when Paddy Connolly slammed the ball into
the net from the edge of the box after the Cowden defence had failed to clear their lines.
The Blue Brazil pressed for a leveller, with Gary Kenneth and Liam Buchanan coming
close. But the match appeared to be tapering out, until the explosive finale.
Brian Welsh's men have finished in a highly ceditable sixth place, a comfortable six
points clear of the relegation zone.
Free bus to Brechin
The Cowdenbeath Supporters
Club is running a bus free of charge to the last game of the season next week
at Brechin (28th April). It will depart Central Park at 12.15. Seats can be reserved
by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000.
Also on April 28 the annual
Cowdenbeath Supporters Club player of the year function will be held in the Clansman Hotel, Cowdenbeath with a start time
of 7.30 for 8pm to allow for the return from Brechin. Tickets are available
from Committee members at a cost of just Ł7 per head.
The Supporters Club has eight awards to present at this always popular do.
Find out then who have won the Cowden ‘Oscars’ for 2006/07. Please
get along to the last game of the season and then come along to the Clansman to round off what has been yet again an
enthralling season together with the players and management.
Your support has made a difference and the good away support for Cowden this season has been remarked upon by
many of the clubs we have visited. Let’s all take this opportunity to show
our appreciation to the players.
Goal drought goes on
Cowden's goal drought continued as they drew another blank in a 0-0 draw
against Alloa Athletic at Recreation Park on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil have not hit the target since they slapped six past Stranraer five
games ago but at least this latest goalless affair was an entertaining match.
Proof of this was the applause at the end from the 200-plus Cowden fans including
SPL star Markus Paatelainen.
A glorious afernoon was great for the fans but a bit hot for the players as the pitch
was very bumpy.
Perhaps that was the reason so many golden chances were squandered by both sides,
Alloa in particular being denied by remarkable stops from Davie Hay and Gary Kenneth.
Liam Buchanan, Pat Clarke, Matthew Doherty and Stephen Husband all passed up good chances
but it took a magnificent stop by the home keeper to deny Husband late in the game. The 16-year-old midfielder turned
in an impressive performance on his first-ever senior start.
Cowden now complete their home League programme when Ayr United - unbeaten
in their last seven games - visit Central Park on Saturday.
Supporters Club updates
The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club is running a bus to
Alloa on Saturday and it would be good to see a bumper turnout once again now that Cowden's second division
place is secured.
The team's recent away form has been really boosted by
the numbers of loyal supporters travelling and the encouragement of those die-hards who have followed the Blue Brazil
around the country this season. The fare to travel on the bus to Alloa is Ł8 with OAPs/Juniors at Ł6
and families at Ł12. Seats can be reserved by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000. The bus will depart at 1.15pm from Central Park.
It should also be noted
that the Supporters Club bus to the last match of the season at Brechin on 28th April will be free of charge
for all those travelling. Bookings for this bus will be taken from Saturday with those travelling on the bus to
Alloa having the first oportunity to book.
Also on the 28th April the annual Cowdenbeath Supporters Club 'player of the year' function will be held in the Clansman
Hotel with a start time of 7.30 for 8pm to allow for the return from Brechin.
Our normal venue at Wee Jimmies is unavailable this year and we have therefore been pleased to arrange for the Clansman to
host this ever-popular end of season bash. Tickets are available from Committee members at a cost of just Ł7 per head.
Voting forms for the various awards are in course of distribution to members.
Please get along for the remaining games of the season and then come along to the Clansman on the 28th to round
off what has been yet again an enthralling season together with the players and management.
Job well done by Cowden
Cowden duly collected the single point required to retain their Second
Division status next season when they drew 0-0 with Stranraer at Central Park on Saturday.
Boss Brian Welsh and his squad can take a lot of credit as the survival target
was achieved but Cowden fans will be hoping they wont see another game like Saturday's for a long time.
It was dire from start to finish as Cowden failed to find the net for the third successive
game and a million miles removed from the impressive midweek display at Stirling.
Although the fiery surface did not help, Cowden struggled to string three passes
together and failed to put the Stranraer defence under pressure.
However, it was mission accomplished and the Central Parkers remain in a very
respectable sixth place with a trip to Alloa coming up on Saturday.
One step from safety
Cowden, despite losing 1-0 at Stirling on Tuesday night, arer now just
one step away from ensuring Second Division football at Central Park next season.
The Blue Brazil return to Central Park after three successive away fixtures when
they play host to Stranraer on Saturday.
A repeat of their recent victory over the same opponents - or even a draw - would guarantee
Brian Welsh's side will escape relegation.
The midweek defeat at Forthbank was a travesty of justice for Cowden's high-tempo performance
which made the title contenders look pretty ordinary.
Steven Weir, drafted in for the virus-hit Pat Clarke, was desperately unlucky not to
notch his first Cowden goal when put through by Gary Fusco but his lob went over the top.
Weir then had a close-in effort blocked on the line but should have done better than
blast the ball into the side nettting after being sent clear by Pat Scullion.
The Blue Brazil were left to rue their missed chances when Stirling striker Colin Cramb
was allowed a free header from a free-kick to score the only goal of the game on the hour mark.
Cowden redoubled their efforts but drew another blank yet the travelling support stayed
behind to applaud them off the park.
They have slipped to sixth spot in the League but will achieve their target for the
season if they avoid defeat on Saturday.
Cowden lose out to leaders
Cowden's recent run of success came to a shuddering stop when they
were beaten 3-0 by title favourites Morton at Greenock on Saturday.
Brian Welsh's side battled for 90 minutes against the League leaders but were
always struggling after going behind to a farcical penalty award in the tenth minute.
Not for the first time this season, McGowan dived to the ground when approached by
Dougie Hill and referee Nicholls fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Stevenson slotted home the penalty but worse was to follow as McGowan was gifted a
second goal and Cowden went into the break undeservedly trailing 2-0.
Morton edged the second half, particularly after a midfield blunder allowed McGowan
to net yet another soft counter to clinch his side's fourth victory over Cowden this season.
Young defender Davie Anderson hobbled off with a serious knee injury to complete a
miserable day for the travelling fans, many of whom had again been overcharged by the turnstile operator.
The Blue Brazil face another testing away fixture against promotion
contenders Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm).
The official Supporters Club bus will leave Central Park at 6.10pm.
Pat's five-star show
Cowden took a giant step to ensuring there will be Second Division
football at Central Park next season after a storming 6-1 victory at Stranraer on Sunday.
21-year-old striker Pat Clarke scored twice in the opening 90 seconds and then
went on to complete an astonishing hat-trick after only ten minutes.
The Cowden goal spree continued when midfielder Pat Scullion notched a fourth
in the 16th minute and the travelling fans celebrated once more.
Moore pulled one back for Stranraer before the interval but by that time Brian
Welsh's side were well on their way to a third successive win.
Clarke struck once more with 20 minutes to go and then again in the last
minute to lift his goal total for the season to 17. Not since George Watson 72 years ago against Dumbarton has a Cowden player finished
with five goals in a game!
This latest victory hoisted Cowden into fifth place in the League - a magnificent achievement
for a newly-promoted team.
The Blue Brazil now face another couple of testing away fixtures against the League
leaders Morton at Greenock on Saturday, followed by a trip to Stirling on Tuesday (kick-off 7.30pm).
Buses to Greenock and Stirling
The Supporters
Club is running buses to Cowdenbeath's next two League games against Morton on Saturday and to Stirling
on Tuesday (note date change).
After the team's
stunning victory at Stranraer it would be much appreciated if the fans could once more get behind the team as the season draws
to its conclusion. Seats can be reserved by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000.
The bus will
depart at 12.00 from Central
Park for Greenock on Saturday. Tuesday's trip to Stirling will leave from Central Park at 6.10pm for a 7.30 kick off. Fares for Morton will be Ł10 Standard, Ł8 Junior/OAP and Ł16 family. Stirling prices are
Ł8 adult, Ł6 OAP/Junior and Ł12 family."
Home hoodoo is ended
Cowden, without a home League win since before Christmas, buried
their Central Park hoodoo with a 2-1 victory over bottom club Forfar Athletic on Saturday.
It was the first time the Blue Brazil had recorded back-to-back League wins since
mid-August and they had to fight hard, especially against the gale and rain in the first half.
Boss Brian Welsh handed a Cowden debut to Dundee United loan star
Garry Kenneth and there was also a place on the bench for veteran keeper John Martin.
The normally safe hands of home keeper Davie Hay spilled an inswinging free-kick and
Gary Fraser was first to react, prodding a deflected effort over the to give Forfar an early lead.
Cowden dominated from then on but were still behind at the interval despite numerous
attempts at goal including a spectacular overhead effort from Dougie Hill.
A minute into the second period and Cowden were on level terms when Forfar keeper Sandy
Wood took a fresh-air kick at a passback and ace marksman Liam Buchanan rolled the ball into the empty net.
The club's leading scorer struck again in 66 minutes when he was in the right
place to sweep home a pinpoint cross from skipper Mark Baxter.
It was Buchanan's fifth goal in five games and brought his total for the Blue Brazil
to a fantastic 58, a total bettered by a mere dozen players in the club's 126-year history.
The Blue Brazil now face a trio of tricky away fixtures, starting at Stranraer
on Sunday, followed by Greenock and Stirling.
Bargain bus to Stranraer
The
official Cowdenbeath Supporters Club is running a bus to Stranraer for what will doubtless be an absolutely
vital League encounter at Stair Park on Sunday 25th March.
The
club and players need your support on that day. The Supporters Club therefore appeals to all the loyal fans of the club
to make a special effort to be there and to get right behind the team for the full 90 minutes.
The
fare to travel on the bus to this match has been discounted by the Supporters Club to just Ł5 per person (no, it's not
a double decker!).
Seats
can be reserved by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000. The bus will depart at 10.45am from Central Park.
Great victory at Peterhead
Following hard on the heels of veteran defender Davie Hannah's return
to Iceland, Cowden boss Brian Welsh has moved swiftly to fix up Garry Kenneth.
The 19-year-old, who stands 6ft 4ins tall, arrives at Central Park
from Premier League Dundee United, havng made his debut for the Tannadice side two years ago.
Garry will join another recent Premier loan signing, David Armstrong,
in the Blue Brazil squad to face Forfar Athletic at Central Park on Saturday.
Cowden shrugged off their double defeat at home in the last week to
grab three precious points thanks to a deserved 2-0 victory at Peterhead on Saturday.
It was their second successive 2-0 away victory and a well-deserved bonus for
the team which hasn't won at Central Park since before Christmas.
Defensive star Dougie Hill opened the scoring for Brian Welsh's side midway
through the first half, his first League goal of the season although he knocked home the winner at Brechin
in the Scottish Cup.
21-year-old striker Pat Clarke then doubled Cowden's advantage soon afer the restart
with his 12th strike this season and then the whole team put in maximum effort to ensure the points were safe.
The Blue Brazil now face a 'must win' game on Saturday when bottom team Forfar Athletic
visit Central Park before they have three away fixtures at Stranraer, Greenock and Stirling.
Battling Cowden beaten
Cowden battled on bravely to regain some of their lost pride but still
went down 2-1 to promotion candidates Stirling Albion at Central Park on Tuesday night.
The Blue Brazil have now gone seven games without a home win but their commitment and
effort against the Binos certainly could not be questioned.
Graham Guy, Matthew Docherty, Pat Clarke and Gary Fusco were all missing from the starting
line-up which faced Raith and boss Brian Welsh handed a Cowden debut to Ireland under-21 cap David Armstrong signed on loan
from Hearts.
However it was Livvy loan star Robert Snodgrass who gave Stirling an interval lead
as Cowden battled against the gale.
The Binos doubled their lead just after the break when a David O'Brien cross hit Mark
Baxter's foot and looped over Cowden keeper Davie Hay for a fluke goal.
Albion keeper Myles Hogarth pulled off the save of the season from a flying
header by Liam Buchanan but a minute later the Blue Brazil's leading marksman blasted a net-bound Scott Dalziel effort over
the line.
That set up a grandstand finish as Stirling lost their composure but the Cowden pressure
failed to deliver an equaliser.
The Blue Brazil now face another vital fixture at Peterhead on Saturday
when the supporters bus will leave Central Park at 10.45pm. Prices are Ł12 andŁ10 and seats can be booked through daallan6754@aol.com or 01383 724000.
Derby day defeat
Cowden crashed to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Raith Rovers
in the final Fife derby of the season.
Blue Brazil fans in the 2249 crowd were hoping to see their first
win at Central Park since Christmas but were forced to look on in horror as their side took a thumping from a pretty
ordinary Raith outfit.
Boss Brian Welsh brought in Mark Baxter and Pat Clarke in place of Scott Dalziel and
Murray Davidson from the side which won at Ayr last week.
Defender Dougie Hill was writhing in agony for over a minute after being fouled but
ref Colin Burns allowed play to continue and Cowden were still all at sea when unmarked Kevin Fotheringham opened the
scoring.
Ref Burns then bottled his first big decision when Marvin Andrews hacked down Cowden
leading scorer Liam Buchanan just as he was about to score. Buchanan equalised from the penalty but Andrews somehow
escaped the automatic red card.
The Northern Ireland official flashed yellow cards at random throughout
the game but that was no excuse for the home defence which conceded another three goals before the interval, although the
last one was offside.
It was 'game over' at the interval and Raith killed the game with a fifth goal midway
through the second half.
Brian Welsh's misery was complete when he was sent to the stand after another
run-in with linesman Jimmy Bee, the man who somehow missed the offside offence for Raith's goal.
The Blue Brazil now face another vital fixture when the re-arranged Second
Division game against high-flying Stirling Albion goes ahead at Central Park on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
Cowden blow Ayr away
Cowden dug deep to produce a terrific battling performance and a thoroughly-deserved
2-0 victory over Ayr United at Somerset Park on Saturday.
An early Liam Buchanan penalty - the first to be awarded to the Central Parkers
this season - and a second-half wonder strike from Pat Scullion secured the points for a Blue Brazil side which fought for
every ball from start to finish.
Boss Brian Welsh brought in Graham Guy, Scott Dalziel, Murray Davidson and
Pat Scullion to the starting line-up and all four were outstanding but it would be unfair to pick any individuals out.
This was a total team display, inspired by stand-in skipper Davie
Hannah, and subs Pat Clarke and Martyn Fotheringham showed the same hunger when they came on. If Cowden show the
same commitment in their 11 remaining games then there will again be Second Division football at Central Park next season.
The band of Blue Brazil diehards were celebrating early when Liam Buchanan
slammed home his 17th goal of the season from an unlikely source - a Cowden penalty awarded after Scott Dalziel
was felled by the home keeper.
Cowden should have had their second penalty of the season when Buchanan
was pushed in the back as he bore in on goal but the referee's refusal meant it was still 1-0 at the interval.
Highlight of the game came in the second half when Cowden carved out a magnificent goal.
A flowing move sent the ball wide left to Matt Doherty and he swept it square to Martyn Fotheringham who promptly
pushed it wide right to Pat Scullion.
The youngster took a touch before unleashing a vicious dipping volley from outside
the box which flew into the net. A remarkable strike and his first goal since the opening day of the season.
Liam Buchanan should have made it 3-0 when sent absolutely clear by Matt Doherty
but scuffed his shot straight to the keeper.
The miss did not matter as it happened with the whole team tackling like demons and
they deservedly picked up their first League win bonus since the New Year derby.
Cowden now face a double-header at Central Park this week when high-flying
Stirling Albion arrive on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45) and then local rivals Raith Rovers travel up on Saturday for
the final Fife derby of the season.
Penalty exit from Fife Cup
Cowden skipper Mark Baxter limped off during the Fife Cup semi-final against
Dunfermline at Central Park on Tuesday night and must be rated doubtful for the vital League game at Ayr on Saturday.
There was further bad news
for boss Brian Welsh when Graham Guy, making his comeback after several months out, was also forced to leave the field
with an injury.
Cowden did well against their full-time
Premier League opponents, losing 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
Dougie Hill glanced home a Matt Doherty
corner to give the Blue Brazil an early lead which they held until late in the game when Iain Williamson was allowed to hit
home an equaliser despite being yards offside.
David Hannah, Dougie Hill, Liam Buchanan, Matthew
Dochery and Murray Davidson all slotted home penalties before 16-year-old Grant Manzie blasted his effort over the bar.
Cowden fielded seven teenagers
during the game including a debut for 15-year-old Jamie Reid.
The
Cowdenbeath Supporters Club is running its normal bus to Ayr for the important League clash at Somerset
Park on Saturday.
Seats can be reserved by contacting David Allan
on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000. The bus will depart at 11.45am from Central
Park. Prices are Ł10 adult, Ł8 OAP/juniors & Ł16 for a family. Non-members pay an extra Ł2 over the advertised fares.
Flying off to Finland
Initial bookings are now being made by Cowden fans for the trip
to Finland. On Friday they intend to book flights as follows.
Out: Friday 25 May 06.00 from Edinburgh (KLM via Amsterdam) arrives Helsinki
13.50
Return: Monday 28 May 14.35 from Helsinki (KLM via Amsterdam) arrives
Edinburgh 18.45
Indicative return fare including all taxes is Ł184.90. Anyone
else interested in booking now on these flights contact David Allan by e-mail at daallan6754@aol.com. Of course other travellers can still book later or choose alternative
flights.
Beaten by Brechin
Cowden are still searching for their first home win since Christmas after
losing 3-0 to Brechin City at Central Park on Saturday.
Brian Welsh's side were lucky to be only 1-0 behind to an Iain Russell goal at the
interval as Brechin troubled the Cowden defence repeatedly with the long ball.
Cowden brought on Steven Weir at half-time and they started to spark a little but defensive
slackness soon allowed Russell to make it 2-0.
Veteran City keeper Craig Nelson denied Liam Buchanan with a fabulous one-handed save
from a point-blank volley.
City took control as the game progressed and it was no surprise when Russell
laid on a third goal for Stevie Hampshire.
Referee Law insisted the floodlights be switched on despite the blazing sunshine
but even that bizarre decision did not enable Cowden to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
Now they have been sucked into the relegation play-off zone although they have
games in hand.
The Blue Brazil will be back in action at Central Park on Tuesday night
(kick-off 7.30) when the Fife Cup semi-final against Dunfermline will be staged. Admission prices are Ł4 and Ł2.
New date for Stirling game
Cowden's Second Division fixture against title challengers Stirling
Albion - frozen off on Saturday - has been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 27, at Central Park.
The Blue Brazil will also be in action at Central Park on Tuesday
first when the Fife Cup semi-final against Dunfermline will be staged.
Before that, of course, Brian Welsh's men face Brechin City on Saturday, again
at Central Park. City beat table-toppers Morton last week but Cowden beat them at Brechin last month.
Meanwhile, Cowden Supporters Club is organising a trip to Finland
to see Mixu and Mikko Paateleainen’s new side in action.
The Finnish League fixtures have recently been released and the provisional
arrangement is that the Ble Brazil contingent will visit Turku
to see TPS play VPS Vaasa on Sunday, May 27.
Suggested arrangements involve flying to Helsinki on Friday, May 25,
and staying one night in the Finnish capital where the fans have been invited to meet a representative of the
Finnish FA.
On the Saturday evening there would be a two-hour train
journey to Turku and the fans would spend two nights there before returning to Helsinki on Monday for the flight home.
The Supporters Club will
also be getting in touch with Mixu to hopefully meet up during the visit. Details
will be firmed up shortly but meantime those interested should contact David Allan or John Cameron.
Fans tribute to Innes Ritchie
The Supporters Club on behalf of all its members and all the followers of Cowdenbeath
FC wish Innes Ritchie all the very best for the future both on and off the field.
The contribution Innes made was remarkable. He skippered and led the team by example. He
enjoyed the utmost respect of the Cowden fans and his playing colleagues. No
Blue Brazil cause was ever lost with Innes leading our side.
Innes Ritchie of course is already a member of the Cowdenbeath FC Hall of Fame but
he enjoys a unique position amongst that select band. There are three legendary
Cowden captains immortalised in the Hall of Fame – Alex Menzies, Andy Kinnell and Innes Ritchie.
Alex and Andy of course though were Cowdenbeath
lads born and bred but Innes is held in equal regard and we now declare him officially to be a true Cowdenbeather by popular
adoption!
The last day of season 2005/06 is of course indelibly printed on the collective Cowdenbeath
consciousness for all time and the vision of Innes Ritchie holding the championship trophy aloft will never fade from our
memories.
Cowden hold on to Hannah
Blue Brazil fans were given a massive boost following their side's Scottish Cup exit with the news that central
defender David Hannah is staying at Central Park until the end of March.
The veteran star was due to return to his Icelandic club this week but Cowden manager Brian Welsh managed
to persuade him to stay for another eight games.
It is great news for the club and Hannah will be in his usual place beside Dougie Hill when Stirling
Albion visit Central Park on Saturday.
Cowden 'mist' the chance of reaching the last eight of the Tennent's Scottish Cup when they lost 2-0 to First
Division Queen of the South in the Palmerston fog on Saturday.
It was a hugely disappointing day for the Blue Brazil fans who gave their side non-stop vocal support
but watched in dismay as the Queens keeper was never troubled.
Cowden, of course, were dealt a major blow when star striker Liam Buchanan, top scorer in the League,
was ruled out through injury.
Brian Welsh's men started brightly enough but were handed another major headache when Mark Baxter was injured.
The Central Park skipper was still receiving treatment on the touchline when Gary Fusco was suckered into a tackle and
Dobbie hammered home the resultant penalty.
Baxter was unable to continue as Queens, boosted by their goal, started to knock the ball about with
confidence but it was still 1-0 at the interval.
Adams doubled the gap soon after the break and there was no way back for Cowden who put in the effort but
to little effect.
They now face a tough assignment in the League when title hopefuls Stirling Albion visit Central Park
on Saturday.
Blue Brazilians on the march
Cowden fans are on the march to Dumfries on Saturday to see their team tackle First Division opponents
Queen of the South in the fourth round of the Tennents Scottish Cup.
It is over 50 years since the clubs last clashed in the Scottish Cup and Blue Brazilians will be out in force
and ready to make themselves heard at Palmerston Park.
Boss Brian Welsh's new-look line-up featuring five changes held runaway Second Division leaders Morton to
a draw last week with a battling display.
Queens are struggling at the foot of the First Division so there is definitely a chance for Cowden to
cause a Cup upset.
Welsh said, "This is a big game for the club but we are relishing the prospect of the tie and the chance
of reaching the last eight."
Veteran David Hannah will be at the heart of the defence in what looks like being his final game for
Cowden before returning to Iceland.
Blue Brazil fans are hoping he gets a winning send-off following his consistent form in recent months.
Finally, the Junction Bar bus is full but seats are still available on the second Cowden Supporters
Club bus, leaving Central Park at 10.30am. Contact daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000.
Book
your seat for Dumfries
The Cowdenbeath
Supporters Club is running two buses to Dumfries for the Scottish Cup tie v Queen of the South at Palmerston on Saturday as
Cowdenbeath attempt to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 76 years.
There
is an immense deal of interest in the trip and there has been a huge demand for places but the remaining seats can be reserved by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000.
The buses will leave at 10.30am from Central Park to
allow time for a bar lunch, some shopping, or a few pints in Dumfries. Prices are
Ł12 adult, Ł10 OAP/juniors & Ł20 for a family. Non-members pay an extra Ł2 over
the advertised fares.
Tribute to magical
Markus
The Cowdenbeath Football Supporters
Club on behalf of all its members and all the followers of Cowdenbeath FC would like to wish Markus Paatelainen every success
in his future career.
His contribution to Cowdenbeath
FC was immense and will never be forgotten. In honour of the contribution Markus has made to Cowdenbeath FC, it has
been agreed that Markus Paatelainen with immediate effect should be admitted to the Cowdenbeath FC Hall of Fame.
The sheer pleasure of watching Markus dancing down the left wing leaving defenders in his wake evoked warm memories of
the great Scottish ballplayers of yesteryear and brought fans flocking back to Central Park. Markus played a key role
in the team's thrilling success with his goals and flair.
His two winning goals at Stark's Park will also always be lodged in the collective consciousness of the Blue Brazil support.
To come back twice from serious injury too shows grit and determination.
Markus fully deserves his chance in the big time and we will continue to follow him and enjoy his play in the years to
come via our TV screens if sadly no more at Central Park
Central Park up for sale
Cowden are on the move to a new stadium, complete with modern facilities and an all-weather grass pitch, following
chairman Gordon McDougall's decision to sell Central Park to developers.
McDougall, the only chairman in the club's history to achieve promotion three times, announced the news before
leaving for a holiday in Panama which, incidentally, he will interrupt to take in Cowden's Scottish Cup tie at Dumfries
on Saturday.
He said, "I have completed the missives for the sale of Central Park and will now vigorously pursue the council
authorities to identify an appropriate site for our new stadium.
"We are looking at a new modern stadium of which the club and the local community can be proud.
"It will be designed to accommodate around 3000 fans with seating for 800 and incorporating good hospitality
facilities. The pitch would be FIFA approved artificial grass.
"The whole project is dependant on planning permission but we hope to work with Fife Council to drive our
plans forward and find a suitable site."
League leaders are held
Cowden shared the spoils in a pulsating 1-1 draw with runaway League leaders Greenock Morton at Central
Park on Saturday.
Blue Brazil boss Brian Welsh handed debuts to new signings Matthew Doherty and Murray Davidson as well
as sub Craig Smart, snapped up from East Fife in a swap deal for Kevin McBride.
The youngsters energetic running got Cowden off to a flying start and they went ahead when Pat Clarke
hit home his 11th goal of the season.
The home side could have added to their lead before Morton got a lucky break of the ball and McGowan rolled
the equaliser into the empty net.
Main features of a keenly fought second period were an inspired free-kick from Pat Scullion and a golden chance
spurned by Liam Buchanan from a David Hannah free-kick.
Hannah and Dougie Hill were immense in the Cowden defence but it took a wonderful double block by Davie Hay
to take Cowden a precious point nearer safety.
Tough run coming up
Having lost 2-0 to rock-bottom Forfar Athletic last week, Cowden now face a mammoth task against runaway
League leaders Morton at Central Park on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil haven't won at home since before Christmas and their next four Central Park fixtures
are against the top four teams in the League.
Brian Welsh's men, however, should have no fears in facing the League leaders having lost out by a single
goal on the three previous encounters this season.
Midfielder Martin McBride, signed from Albion Rovers, will be in the Cowden squad which will be captained
by new club skipper Mark Baxter.
Teenage loan striker Steven Weir misses out through suspension but new midfield youngsters Iain
Ramsay (ex-Gretna) and Matthew Doherty (on loan from Hearts) should be in the squad.
Heaviest home defeat
Cowden slumped to their heaviest home league defeat of the season as Peterhead recorded a 3-0 victory at a
very wet and windy Central Park.
Despite kicking off with the wind behind them, the Blue Brazil conceded an early goal when Martin Bavidge
raced through the middle to shoot past the advancing David Hay.
Pat Clarke almost brought Cowden level with a clever chip but his effort struck the crossbar. Leading marksman
Liam Buchanan also came close on a couple of occasions but the ball stayed out and Cowden faced the daunting task of playing
the second half against the elements while trying to salvage something from the match.
The Blue Brazil battled away manfully but the visitors doubled their advantage 20 minutes from time, Bavidge
rounding Hay and slotting home from an incredibly acute angle.
The Blue Toon the had Callum McDonald dismissed for a second-bookable offence and this gave Cowden a glimmer
of hope.
Boss Brian Welsh piled men forward but a Peterhead counter attack exploited a gap in the Cowden defence
and Kyle MacAuley bundled home the killer third goal.
There was no way back for the Blue Brazil and they have now slipped to fifth place in the table. Attention
now switches to the Scottish Cup on Tuesday evening when Cowden travel to Brechin for their third-round replay.
Markus is just magic
Cowden repeated their earlier derby success at Starks Park with a stirring 2-1
victory over Raith Rovers on Tuesday.
The Blue Brazil gave their fans in the 2744 crowd the happiest of New Years by coming
from behind to yet again claim the scalp of their Fife rivals.
Boss Brian Welsh moved veteran David Hannah into midfield and also handed
a debut to teenage striker Steven Weir, on loan from Livingston.
Cowden were dealt an early blow when Danny Lennon limped off after only 10 minutes
but Martyn Fotheringham slotted in comfortably to the midfield role.
Keeper Davie Hay made a decent stop from Ian Harty but the first-half ended goalless
after being fought out in a typical derby fashion.
Second half the script changed dramatically as the Cowden choir pumped up the
volume and Markus Paatelainen started to torment the Raith defence who had no answer to his mazy runs down the left touchline.
Weir went off to a great ovation on the hour mark after a solid shift and was
replaced by ex-Raith striker Pat Clarke.
Cowden really started to motor and Clarke was unlucky when he was put through
by Paatelainen but his net-bound shot hit keeper Chris Fahey's leg and went behind.
Fahey, who seemed more interested in winding up the Cowden fans than anything else,
got even more abuse when Paatelainen was denied a penalty for a push in the back and the keeper gestured to the
crowd.
However, Fahey was soon leaping about like a demented haddock as he celebrated the
opening goal by Raith's McManus with 20 minutes to go.
The home end had barely started their "You're not singing any more" chorus when Liam
Buchanan shut them up, turning his marker and beating Fahey with ease from the edge of the box.
It was mayhem in the Cowden stand as the big travelling support sensed another derby
victory and it was duly delivered.
Magnificent interplay between Buchanan and Clarke carved open the home defence and
although Clarke's effort hit Fahey, Paatelainen was in the right spot to stab the ball over the line for a deserved
winner.
There was still time for Davie Hay to make a couple of super saves buty the Cowden
fans barely noticed as they celebrated loud and long.
The Blue Brazil now face Brechin City for the second time in a week when the clubs
clash again in the third round of the Tennents Scottish Cup at Central Park on Saturday.
Although Brechin came out on top on the Glebe Park mud heap last week, Cowden should
have nothing to fear with home advantage.
Liam hits a hat-trick
Ace goal-grabber Liam Buchanan led the way as Cowden handed Alloa Athletic their second
Central Park drubbing of the season by winning 5-2 on Saturday.
Buchanan took less than a minute to notch his 50th career goal for the Blue Brazil
and what a Christmas cracker it was as he fired in a glorious 25-yarder.
The wee man repeated the feat in the opening minute of the second half, turning on
a sixpence and blasting the ball past keeper Allan Greer.
Buchanan then completed a memorable hat-trick when he side-footed home a return pass
from Laurie Ellis.
Ellis also played a starring role, restoring Cowden's lead - after McKeown had
converted a spot-kick for Alloa - on the stroke of half-time when he popped up at the back post to stab home a Markus Paatelainen
pass.
Ellis added another with a clever lob from a narrow angle which left keeper Greer absolutely
helpless.
Mackie netted a consolation counter for Alloa - who later had Clark dismissed for lifting
his hands to Kevin McBride.
Cowden boss Brian Welsh, who left Tannadice-bound Morgaro Gomis out of his
starting line-up, brought on youngsters Grant Manzie and Stephen Husband, the latter making his senior debut.
The Blue Brazil's victory hoisted them into a promotion play-off position and is a
real confidence booster for the away matches against Brechin on Saturday and Raith on Tuesday.
Another away defeat
Cowden are still clinging to fifth place in the Second Division despite losing
1-0 to the in-form Stirling Albion at Forthbank on Saturday.
Davie Hay, Gary Fusco and Morgaro Gomis all returned to the starting line-up but the
less said about Coowden's first-half performance the better as they were outclassed and out-passed.
Even their set-piece efforts at free-kicks and corners were woeful and a solitary Markus
Paatelainen drive was their only shot at goal.
Stirling took advantage of Cowden's lacklustre display to notch the only goal
of the game, Colin Cramb rattling in a crisp 15-yarder after ref Colin Hardie chose to ignore a high boot in David Hannah's
face.
Cowden pepped up after the interval as they raised the tempo and were denied a clear
case for a penalty when Fusco was tripped as he raced in on goal.
However it wasnt until Cowden resorted to the high ball that genuine chances were created,
the first from a Scott Dalziel cross and the second from a Martyn Fotheringham free-kick.
In both cases the ball broke to the right foot of Morgaro Gomis inside the box but
the little Frenchman blasted the ball over the bar on each occasion.
Club captain Innes Ritchie - who sat among the Cowden fans at Forthbank - will
complete his two-match suspension when Cowden entertain Alloa Athletic on League
business at Cenral Park on Saturday.
Home draw in Scottish
Cowden will face Brechin City at Central Park in the third round of the Scottish
Cup after beating the students of Edinburgh University at home on Saturday.
The final 5-1 scoreline disguised the fact that the students put up a spirited show
in front of 896 fans before the Blue Brazil marched through to the next round on January 6.
There was an early shock for Cowden fans with the non-appearance of Morgaro Gomis and
Pat Clarke, the latter reporting sick while the young French star was sidelined at the request of future employers Dundee
Utd. 16-year-old keeper Kyle Allison retained his place, with the ageless John Martin named as sub goalie.
University provided an early scare when they had the ball in the net after 10 minutes
but an offside flag dampened the Students' celebrations.
Cowden eventually took the lead on the half-hour mark when good passing between Markus
Paatelainen and Mark Baxter opened the door for Liam Buchanan to bundle the ball home from close range.
Veteran Danny Lennon scored his first Cowden goal when he found himself in space and
slotted past the advancing keeper. The Students challenge was virtually snuffed out before the interval when Buchanan followed
up to net from an acute angle after keeper Bennett had parried a Paatelainen shot.
There was little action at the start of the second half but the game sparked into life
with 20 minutes remaining when James Hair pulled one back for University, controlling the ball and volleying high into the
net in spectacular fashion.
Cowden clinched the tie with two headed goals in the final 10 minutes. 16-year-old
Grant Manzie - who had replaced the injured Buchanan - picked out Paatelainen with a perfectly flighted cross and the Finn
made no mistake with his downward header. Then Laurie Ellis provided a similar opportunity for Mark Baxter and the defender
powered a header into the net from close range.
Club captain Innes Ritchie will be suspended when Cowden return to League business with a visit to Stirling Albion on Saturday.
Liam is an all-time great
Liam Buchanan's magnificent hat-trick against Stranraer at Central Park
on Saturday has blasted him into the top 20 all-time Cowdenbeath scorers.
The deadly striker has banged in goals galore for the Blue Brazil all the way up from
the youth set-up and his total for the first team is now only three short of a half-century.
Liam now sits proudly at 17th place in the list of League goalscorers in the club's
125-year history with only Graeme Brown of the modern era rated higher.
Still only 21, Liam is already a Cowden legend and next to face his firepower
will be the students of Edinburgh University in the second round of the Scottish Cup at
Central Park on Saturday.
Cowden are currently the highest-scoring home team in Scotland and Buchanan will
have ample back-up from Markus Paatelainen, Pat Clarke and Scott Dalziel who have scored 22 goals already this term.
Skipper Innes Ritchie will be available to face the students but will start his latest
suspension when Cowden visit Stirling Albion on Saturday, December 16.
Meanwhile young Paul McBride has been released by boss Brian Welsh and 21-year-old
Morgaro Gomis is heading to Tannadice next month for a Ł15,000 fee.
Buchanan blitzes Stranraer
Cowden top scorer Liam Buchanan blasted home a magnificent hat-trick as the Blue
Brazil beat Stranraer 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Central Park on Saturday.
Buchanan opened the scoring after 14 minutes, driving home after a fierce Pat Clarke
effort had been brilliantly blocked by Stranraer keeper Scott Black.
Clarke had a net-bound header cleared off the line and Buchanan's follow-up effort
was tipped over by Black.
Steven Aitken equalised when he beat Davie Hay with a low drive from outside the box.
The Cowden keeper - who had pulled a muscle in the warm-up - was replaced by 16-year-old Kyle Allison, making his senior
debut.
Cowden enjoyed the advantage of a strong wind as the second half got underway and Buchanan
soon struck again, side-footing home a Laurie Ellis cut-back after Markus Paatelainen had hit the woodwork.
Mark Crilly levelled the match with a well-taken free kick from 25 yards which set
up a grandstand finish with both sides creating chances.
The introduction of Scott Dalziel added impetus to the Cowden attack and the big striker
headed home a Buchanan cross for what looked like a late winner.
That man Buchanan, however, was not finished and he completed a memorable hat-trick
when Dalziel released him through the middle and the little striker confidently slotted past Black.
Fluke strike sinks Cowden
Cowden matched League leaders Greenock Morton every inch of the way at Cappielow on
Saturday but left pointless after conceding a late goal which was deflected into the net.
The Blue Brazil fans - including a contingent from Finland - silenced the home
support with non-stop backing from start to finish.
However, giant Fifer Chris Templeman - ribbed mercilessly by the Cowden fans during
his warm-up - had the last hee-haw when he came on to score the only goal of the game with a shot wickedly deflected
past keeper Davie Hay.
Boss Brian Welsh added Innes Ritchie, Graham Guy and David Hannah to his
starting line-up but Guy lasted little more than 15 minutes before limping off. New signing Hannah slotted in nicely
beside Innes Ritchie but that partnership will soon be interrupted after the skipper picked up another booking.
In an evenly-matched contest, Morton missed a couple of golden chances but so
did Cowden in the second half. And the referee infuriated the vocal Cowden support by ignoring solid penalty claims
for a blatant hand-ball and an obvious trip.
Markus Paatelainen came closest of all with an angled drive which the Morton keeper
managed to finger-tip on to the bar.
16-year-old Callum McKinlay was handed his senior debut for the Blue Brazil when he
was subbed on for the final few minutes.
Cowden will now host Stranraer at Central Park on Saturday and then meet Edinburgh
University in the second round of the Scottish Cup at Central Park on Saturday, December 9.
Web team net quiz cup
The www.cowdenbeath.net team won the Cowdenbeath Quiz Cup at a fund-raising event for the Young
Brazilian fans held at Wee Jimmie's on Friday night.
Webmaster Brian Fraser captained the winning team which included
partner Nicole Bertermann and family members Ian, Anne and Linda Fraser.
With two rounds to go, only two points separated the leading three teams
but the web outfit pulled away to win.
The winning team donated their prize-money to the Young Brazilian
club, as did the runners-up captained by Dave Tuson.
First-team players Pat Scullion and Chris Hughes featured in the team
which finished in third place.
Premier chance for Morgaro
Blue Brazil star Morgaro Gomis has started full-time training with Premier
side Dundee United linked to a possible move during the transfer window.
Ex-Cowden manager Craig Levein is now boss at Tannadice and asked permission to have
a closer look at the classy midfielder.
Gomis headed home an injury-time winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Forfar
Athletic at Central Park last Saturday.
The young Frenchman's late strike brought to an end Cowden's recent dismal run and also
enabled new boss Brian Welsh to record his first victory in charge.
Markus Paatelainen, stretchered off the previous week, returned with a vengeance
by scoring a glory double to bring his total to eight this season.
A bitterly cold and blustery day restricted the attendance to 383 but a band of Cowden
fans from Dublin created a great atmosphere.
Boss Brian Welsh had to re-shuffle his plans when skipper Innes Ritchie pulled out
in the pre-match warm-up with a leg injury but there was a place for newly-appointed assistant manager Danny Lennon in the
starting line-up.
Lennon, in fact, was an inspirational figure in some great passing play from Cowden
which, however, failed to trouble Forfar keeper Sean Murdoch in a lively first half.
It was a different story after the interval when fans favourite Markus Paatelainen
stepped up to the mark.
First he steered home a stunning header from a Mark Baxter cross after 53 minutes
and soon scored a second with a clever chip after a Davie Hay clearance had been nodded on by Liam Buchanan.
Blue Brazilians celebrated in style and none more so than title-winning manager Mixu
Paatelainen, back once again to support the team.
Cowden should have gone on to wrap up the points but some good chances weren't
taken and a Gregory Tade goal gave Forfar a big lift with 20 minutes to go.
Cowden's composure collapsed and it was no big surprise when ex-Central Parker Darren
Gribben was subbed on and belted home the equaliser with his first touch of the ball.
The game was now wide open and 15-year-old striker Grant Manzie was handed his senior
debut as Cowden went all out for a winner.
It eventually arrived at the last gasp when Liam Buchanan's persistence enabled
him to send over an inviting cross which Morgaro Gomis gleefully headed into the net.
This dramatic victory enabled Cowden to retain fifth place, five points off a
promotion play-off spot and, just as important, four points above the relgation play-off zone.
Chairman blasts reports
Cowden chairman Gordon McDougall has blasted media reports which claimed he
had criticised the behaviour of Blue Brazil supporters inside Central Park.
One national newspaper quoted him as saying the club had trouble at every game
with fans drinking, fighting and throwing bricks - comments which were widely repeated on internet web sites.
An angry McDougall said, "The reports are total rubbish and at no time did I criticise our
supporters.
"What I did say was that we had a problem with youngsters congregating outside
the stadium nearly every night but by no stretch of the imagination are they football or stock car fans."
Cowden fans will readily endorse their chairmans's comments as the problems caused by under-age
drinking are well known in the town and it is not just the Central Park area which is affected.
Derby defeat
Brian Welsh got off to an unhappy start as the new boss of the Blue
Brazil when Raith Rovers took revenge for their earlier derby drubbing by winning 2-1at Central Park on Saturday.
Once again Cowden failed to take their chances in front of a season-best crowd
of 1487 while poor defending allowed Raith to score their first win under ex-Central Park gaffer Gary Kirk.
There was even worse news for Cowden when star man Markus Paatelainen was taken to
hospital after a clash with a Raith defender.
After an early scare, Cowden almost took the lead with a superb looping header from
Pat Clarke but Raith keeper Brown saved brilliantly.
Then they had a golden opportunity to open the scoring just before the interval
when Liam Buchanan raced through unchallenged on Brown but sliced his effort wide of the target.
Former Cowden cult hero Armand Oné broke the deadlock after 62 minutes with a near-post
glancing header after the Blue Brazil had gifted possession in their own half.
It took Cowden just two minutes to get back on level terms. Martyn Fotheringham, who
had replaced Margaro Gomis at the interval, released Laurie Ellis on the left wing with a precision pass and the resultant
cross was driven into the net by ex-Raith man Pat Clarke.
Cowden skipper Innes Ritchie was unlucky to see his header from a corner kick bounce
off the bar as his side pressed for the winner.
Unfortunately, poor defensive work allowed Hjalmar Thorarinsson a free header at the
other end and Rovers regained the upper hand with 17 minutes to play.
Having used all three subs, Cowden were forced to finish the match with just ten men
after Markus Paatelainen was injured in a collision with a Raith defender.
Before referee Martin Sproule stopped play, Cowden almost grabbed a dramatic equaliser
when Martyn Fotheringham side-footed a Scott Dalziel cross goalwards but Brown clawed the ball to safety.
Brian Welsh is new Blue Brazil boss
Former Hibs, Dundee United and Cowden star BrianWelsh has been named as the
new boss of the Blue Brazil.
Championship-winning manager Mixu Paatelainen resigned to take charge
of Turku in his Finnish homeland a fortnight ago and since then coaches Michael Renwick
and Steve McLeish have taken charge of the Cowden squad.
Now the Central Park directors have decided to hand the reins over to Welsh, who has
supervised the widely-acclaimed Cowden youth development programme in recent seasons.
New boss Welsh faces a baptism of fire as his first game in charge is the Fife derby
against Raith Rovers at Central Park on Saturday.
Fans tribute to Mixu
Cowden fans were absolutely stunned by manager Mixu Paatelainen's shock resignation
before the match against Ayr United at Central Park on Saturday.
The former Finnish internationalist steered the Blue Brazil to their first title success
for 67 years when the Third Division championship trophy arrived at Central Park in April.
Many fans rate Mixu as the best-ever Cowden manager and there is no doubt the popular
figure will be sorely missed at Central Park.
Web sites have been swamped with tributes from Blue Brazilians keen to thank Mixu for
his outstanding achievements in a memorable year at the club.
Stirling share points
After a blank day at Stranraer, the Blue Brazil bounced back to earn
a well-deserved 2-2 draw against second-placed Stirling Albion in front of 693 fans at Central Park on Saturday.
All the goals came in an entertaining first half, starting with an extremely soft penalty
awarded against Innes Ritchie after only eight minutes.
Chris Aitken duly despatched the dubious award but Cowden soon fought back in
the best possible way by netting twice inside a minute.
Firstly Markus Paatelainen produced a textbook downward header from a Martyn Fotheringham
corner which eluded keeper Myles Hogarth and his defence.
Then Fotheringham went one better, finding Pat Clarke with an accurate pass and
then being in the right place to accept an inspired cutback and drive it low into the corner of the net.
Albion were level before the half-hour mark when they were gifted possession after
Paatelainen and Gomis collided in midfield and the through ball was rattled into the net by Colin Cramb.
By contrast, the second period was a bit of a slog but there were scoring chances
at both ends, Davie Orr in the Cowden goal making a couple of great saves.
The Blue Brazil's best chances both fell to top scorer Pat Clarke and he beat keeper
Hogarth all ends up only to see his efforts agonisingly go over the bar.
Cowden are now in fourth place after the first round of fixtures and could get back
to winning form when they visit Alloa on October 14.
Buy your badge of honour
Now available from the Cowdenbeath Supporters Club - a unique souvenir of last season's
championship success! You saw the match, you cheered the open topped bus, you saw the flag raised, and you read the
book - now wear the Badge with pride!
Following on from Cowdenbeath's historic and memorable 3rd Division title win last
season, Cowdenbeath Supporters Club commissioned a commemorative badge to be struck in honour of this success.
These badges are now available and will be on sale from this Saturday. It is recommended
fans get their badge as soon as possible as it is expected that demand will be brisk and this is a strictly limited edition
badge.
This attractive 1"/25mm diameter badge is circular in shape. It boasts a royal
blue rim which bears the legends 'Cowdenbeath FC' at the top and 'Div. 3 Champions 2005-06' at the foot inscribed in silver.
Separating the two legends are two small black diamond logos commemorating the mining roots of the town and the club
formed over 125 years ago which proudly carries the nickname 'the Miners'.
The centre section of the badge has a silver background acknowledging the silverware
Cowden carried off last season. At the
top is a gold/yellow coloured trophy. The gold denoting Cowden's 'gold medal' achievement of last season whilst
yellow of course is the Blue Brazil's away colour and a link with the famous Brazil jersey. On the
left is a Finnish flag which represents the Paatelainen contribution to our success. On the right is a Scottish
saltire representing the Scottish League Championship flag which now flies proudly at Central Park. Both
flags of course bear the club colours.
At the bottom of the centre section is the motto in blue lettering 'Stent Nae
Stent'. This is the Scots motto of the community and Burgh of Cowdenbeath and means 'shirk no task' or 'always give
your best'. It acknowledges that hard work and giving of your best brings just reward as it did
for Cowdenbeath FC last season.
The badges are priced at Ł3.50 and will be on sale from Supporters Club Treasurer David Allan
at Saturday's match and thereafter.
Orders by post can be sent to David at 41 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline Fife, KY12 7UR (e-mail daallan6754@aol.com) - Cheques payable to Cowdenbeath Football Supporters Club and please
add 40p to cover p&p.
Cowden lose second place
After the Blue Brazil failed to beat a ten-man team for the second week in succession
they will be hoping to get back amongst the goals when Stirling Albion visit Central Park on Saturday.
Last week's trip to Stranraer was billed as the game where League's best attack
met the League's worst defence but Cowden failed to shine and left Stair Park on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline.
It was the first time in over six months that Cowden had failed to score in a League
game and manager Mixu Paatelainen will have his strikers fired up to ensure there isn't a repeat on Saturday.
Stirling, however, are on the crest of a wave after a seven-match unbeaten run in the
League which has seen them surge into second spot and they will be seekimg revenge for their 4-0 Challenge Cup drubbing
at Central Park last month.
Victory for Cowden would enable them to regain second place behind League
leaders Morton and - as always - Mixu's men will be having a go.
Cowden fail to clinch it
The Blue Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Station Park after missing
a pile of chances against bottom club Forfar Athletic on Saturday.
The Loons should have been buried before the interval as Cowden ripped them apart at
set-pieces but they survived and then grabbed a late equaliser when down to ten men.
Results elsewhere meant Cowden still retain second spot behind league leaders Morton
but it was definitely a case of two points chucked away at Forfar.
Gary Smith, Scott Dalziel and Dougie Hill were restored to Mixu Paatelainen's team
sheet and there was further good news with Morgaro Gomis and Laurie Ellis able to make the bench.
Cowden were in command from the kick-off and only top-class saves by Premier loan keeper
Sean Murdoch kept out efforts from the likes of Gary Fusco and Martyn Fotheringham.
Corner after corner created mayhem in the Forfar goalmouth but the scoreline remained
blank, thanks to the woodwork which stopped headers from Innes Ritchie and Dougie Hill.
Thankfully, justice was done before the interval when Cowden went ahead with a peach
of a goal as Liam Buchanan swept the ball into the net after being set up by Scott Dalziel.
Cowden continued on top after the break but slick build-up play was too often ruined
by the quality of the final cross which ranged from poor to awful.
However it seemed the three points were destined for Central Park, especially
after Forfar were reduced to ten men when Gary Lynn was ordered off.
But it was not to be as seconds after Murdoch had blocked a Buchanan
drive the ball was belted up the park and Barry Donald headed home the equaliser.
A sickener for the Blue Brazil and their big travelling support but second place
in the Second Division isn't a disaster.
Now the League's best attack meets the League's worst defence when Cowden travel to
Stranraer on Saturday. Should be interesting!
|
Markus Paatelainen onn target again |
Cowden fight in vain
The Blue Brazil failed to halt Morton's unbeaten run and the League leaders ran out
2-1 winners in the top-of-the-table clash before 1315 fans at Central Park on Saturday.
Cowden at least had the satisfaction of becoming the first team to score against the
Greenock side in the League this season but it wasn't enough to halt Morton's march.
Although long-term injured Davie Hay and Dougie Hill were fit enough to join trialist
Scott Bannerman on the bench, Cowden were dealt a triple blow when injuries ruled out star man Morgaro Gomis
and experienced defenders Gary Smith and Laurie Ellis.
In a torrid first half dominated by Morton, Cowden deserted their normal slick-passing
game in favour of lumping the ball skywards - usually in the direction of little Liam Buchanan!
After a succession of corners and a couple of cracking saves by keeper Davie Orr, Morton
deservedly went ahead through a Stuart Greachen header.
What Cowden didn't deserve was to lose another goal before half-time but a series of
mistakes and miskicks allowed McAllister to double Morton's advantage.
Thankfully, Cowden put up a much better display after the interval, inspired by an
early goal from Markus Paatelainen.
For once the ball was played to feet, starting with a defence-splitting pass from Martyn
Fotheringham to Liam Buchanan whose perfect low drive across the goalmouth was stabbed home by Paatelainen at the second attempt.
Morton were clearly rattled and started time-wasting with a full 30 minutes to go but
held on to take all three points despite a grandstand finish by the Blue Brazil when they were unlucky not to snatch
an equaliser.
Cowden will now try to bounce back and retain their second place when they travel to
Forfar on Saturday.
The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club bus will depart
for this match from Central Park on Saturday at 12.15pm. Standard fare
is Ł9 with a Family fare of Ł16 and OAPs/Junior Supporters Club members fare of Ł7. Non-members
pay an extra Ł2 over the advertised fares. Places on the buses can be reserved by contacting David Allan on daallan6754@aol.com or on 01383 724000'
Cowden in command
The Blue Brazil once again showed their great ability to bounce back from a midweek defeat
by scoring a stunning 4-2 victory over Peterhead at Central Park on Sunday.
Cowden are the highest-scoring team in Britain this season and their latest demolition
job sets them up perfectly for the visit of Second Division leaders Morton to Central Park on Saturday, the Cappielow
side having yet to concede a League goal.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen recalled Gary Fusco, Innes Ritchie and Liam Buchanan to his
side but Gary Smith was forced to sit out with a minor strain.
The Cowden goal machine went into top gear right away as a glorious pass released
Liam Buchanan down the right wing after ten minutes and his textbook low cutback was swept into the net by top scorer Pat
Clarke.
Cowdenn made it 2-0 after half an hour with another stunning strike, Markus Paatelainen
cleverly rolling the ball back into the path of Morgaro Gomis who floated a superb effort past keeper Mathers from
nearly 30 yards.
Although Cowden should have now been in cruise control, skipper Innes Ritchie commited
a couple of fouls which enabled the visitors to draw level before the interval, Hegarty drilling home a free-kick and
Linn converting a penalty.
Cowden should have restored their two-goal advantage within a few minutes of the restart
as brilliant football carved open the Peterhead defence on several occasions but the final chances were either missed or blocked.
Martyn Fotheringham's free-kick had been a feature of the match and it was no surprise
when one of them led to Cowden going ahead again on the hour mark.
Innes Ritchie's header had goal written all over it but Mathers somehow blocked it
before justice was done when Liam Buchanan blasted the ball over the line in the scramble.
Morgaro Gomis went off with a groin strain - and an ovation from the 588 crowd
- but Mixu as usual went for more goals by subbing on young striker Scott Dalziel.
His boldness was rewarded when Scott coolly side-stepped the keeper and rolled in
Cowden's fourth following magnificent play by Pat Clarke.
So the Blue Brazil bandwagon rolls on, having already netted 28 goals and the
promise of more to come. In fact, many many more.
Fightback is in vain
Cowden crashed out of the Challenge Cup at Cappielow on Tuesday night but
only after a magnificent fightback narrowly failed and Morton edged through on a 3-2 scoreline.
First-team regulars Gary Smith, Innes Ritchie, Gary Fusco, Scott Dalziel and Liam Buchanan
were all rested from manager Mixu Paatelainen's starting line-up which saw Mark Baxter and Laurie Ellis put forward to midfield
and Martyn Fotheringham drafted in as a centre-forward.
Unfortunately the Blue Brazil were a shambles in an error-riddled opening 15 minutes
and they quickly went 3-0 behind - although it should be pointed out that the mistakes were by no means confined to the
new players.
However full credit to the team for battling away until the interval when they received
nothing but encouragement from the travelling support.
The fans loyalty was rewarded soon after the break when young Pat Clarke confidently
slid home his seventh goal of the season.
Morton quickly realised they now had a fight on their hands and even started a bit
of time-wasting. Then they were handed a huge bonus when their keeper caught the ball outside his area to deny the Blue Brazil
a certain goal.
Incredibly ref Colum - already a legend among Cowden fans for a previous card--waving
farce at Stenhousemuir last season - bottled the automatic red card decision and opted for a yellow instead.
Martyn Fotheringham bulleted home the free-kick to make it 3-2 but despite their untiring
efforts they couldn't conjure up an equaliser.
And there was further disappointment when both Laurie Ellis and Graham Guy limped
off injured and looking very doubtful for the visit of Peterhead on Sunday afternoon, kick-off 3pm.
Junior
commitee is elected
Cowdenbeath
Supporters Club is pleased to confirm that after a well-attended meeting at Central Park the new Cowdenbeath Junior
Supporters Club was established.
Manager
Mixu Paatelainen and Supporters Club officials came along to help out as the new Supporters Club elected its committee.
After a keenly contested election where the candidates made their manifesto commitments and
sales pitches the following committee members were duly elected. Robbie Dair
(Chairman), Dawn Bett (Secretary), Alan Dow (Treasurer), Scott Duthie, Stuart Duthie, David Hershaw and Grant Allan.
Late double sinks local rivals
A fabulous Cowden support approaching the 1000 mark went wild with joy
as the Blue Brazil blew away derby rivals Raith Rovers at Stark's Park on Saturday.
The final 3-1 scoreline was no more than Mixu Paatelainen's men deserved after they
totally outclassed a Raith team introduced by the match announcer as 'Fife's finest!'
The start was delayed to let the crowd in but Cowden were on fire from the kick-off
and it was no surprise when Pat Clarke blasted them into an early lead following a corner taken by the impressive Morgaro
Gomis.
Raith were swamped as the Cowden goal hunt started in earnest and time after time the
massive Central Park support were on their feet to celebrate only to see the woodwork and goal-line clearances rescue Raith.
Cowden should have been 5-0 ahead by the interval and inevitably after the break
were caught by a sucker punch when keeper Davie Orr spilled a cross and Raith sub Manson slid home the equaliser. The young keeper redeemed himself with a brilliant block after Mark Baxter carved open his own defence.
Graham Guy and Kevin McBride came on for Morgaro Gomis and Scott Dalziel who had
run themselves to a standstill and Cowden put in a storming finish to clinch the victory they richly deserved.
Firstly, a well-directed Gary Smith free-kick was nodded on by skipper
Innes Ritchie to Markus Paatelainen whose delicate flick crept just inside the post to spark off crazy celebrations in the
stand behind the goal.
As the Raith fans poured into Pratt Street Cowden - as always - went for more goals
and the icing on the cake came in the last minute.
Sublimely, it came from two players freed by Raith in the summer as Laurie Ellis sent
in a perfect near-post delivery which Pat Clarke neatly turned into the net.
It's a long, long time since Cowden fans were able to sing "Are you East Fife
in disguise?" at Stark's Park and Mixu's men seem more than capable of retaining their Second Division status with their attractive
attacking game allied to solid defence and inspirational midfield play.
Cowden are now off to Greenock to face Morton on Challenge Cup business
on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
Supporters Club bus will leave Central Park at 5.30pm with a standard fare of
Ł10, a family fare of Ł16 and OAPs/Under-12's fare of Ł8. Non-members pay an extra Ł2 over the advertised fares.
Falkirk ease through
Cowden found Premier League Falkirk too hot to handle at Central Park
on Tuesday night in a CIS Cup tie but the final 5-0 scoreline definitely flattered the Bairns.
The Blue Brazil competed well for a fair part of the game but three late
goals produced a dismal exit from the Cup.
Cowden fans in the 1530 crowd were stunned to see skipper Innes Ritchie,
top scorer Pat Clarke as well as fellow striker Scott Dalziel and defender Laurie Ellis all missing from manager Mixu Paatelainen's starting
line-up.
There was an even bigger shock when news spead that the club's longest-serving
player Iain Mauchlen had moved to junior side Kelty Hearts after 135 appearances in a Cowden jersey.
Falkirk eventually won in a canter but the game could so easily taken a
different direction. For instance Morgaro Gomis - the best player on the park - and Markus Paatelainen carved open the
Falkirk defence but the Finn's first-timer curled round the wrong side of the post with the scoresheet still blank.
Markus had an even better chance at 0-2 in the second half with just the
keeper to beat but once again his effort skimmed past the post.
So after an undefeated run stretching back five months, the Blue Brazil
have lost twice in four days but the growing support is totally confident Cowden will be back to winning ways when they travel
to meet local rivals Raith Rovers on Saturday.
Then its off to Greenock to face Morton on Challenge Cup business on Tuesday
night, kick-off 7.45pm
The Supporters
Club bus will depart for the derby match from Central Park at 1.45pm picking up at Lochgelly at 1.50
approx (outside Bank of Scotland, in Bank Street). Standard fare will be Ł6 with a family
fare of Ł8 and OAPs/Under-12's fare of Ł4.
On Tuesday the
bus for Greenock will leave Central Park at 5.30pm with a standard fare of Ł10, a family fare of Ł16 and OAPs/Under-12's
fare of Ł8. Non-members pay an extra Ł2 over the advertised fares.
First defeat in five months
The Cowden juggernaut was finally derailed when the Blue Brazil went down 3-1 against
Brechin City at Central Park.
Cowden made a solid start to the match and a strike from Liam Buchanan just before
the interval raised a huge cheer from the large home support among the impressive crowd of 707 spectators.
But the game was to turn on its head within five minutes of the restart. Goals from
former Dundee Utd stars Paddy Connolly and Grant Johnson edged City in front while Cowden struck the post through Markus Paatelainen
and spurned a great chance to score when Laurie Ellis blasted over from close range.
Cowden never recovered from this setback and their attempts to get back into the game
were snuffed out by the Brechin defence - ironically marshalled by former Blue Brazil promotion heroes Davie White and John
Ward.
Connolly added a third for the visitors and Cowden have now lost their position at
the top of the table.
Premier League Falkirk visit Central Park on Tuesday evening (7-30) to contest a CIS
Cup tie. The Bairns have made a fine start to the season and the match is sure to arouse great interest.
Binos brushed aside
Cowden cruised into the second
round of the Challenge Cup with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Stirling Albion at Central Park.
The Blue Brazil took the lead after
20 minutes. Martyn Fotheringham swung over a corner which was only partially cleared by the Stirling defence and Pat Clarke
rifled home from the edge of the box.
Fotheringham - making his first
start for Cowden - proceeded to double his side's lead in spectacular fashion, his 30-yard free kick flying into the net past
the bemused goalkeeper.
The Cowden goal machine showed
no signs of slowing down and Markus Paatelainen raced through the middle to slot home the third following a defence-splitting
pass by Fotheringham.
The scoring was completed when
the superb Margaro Gomis picked out Liam Buchanan in the box who cut the ball back for Scott Dalziel to drill into the net.
Cowden have now scored an incredible
18 goals in their first four matches and will look to continue their sparkling form when Brechin visit Central Park at the
weekend
Clarke double
helps Cowden demolish Ayr
Cowden's goal frenzy continued
on Saturday as they hoisted their total to 14 in three games to strengthen their grip on the top of the table
spot.
The 4-0 victory over Ayr United
at Somerset Park was a just reward for the Blue Brazil's best display so far this season although it must be acknowledged
that keeper Davie Orr did a magnificent job to earn his first shut-out.
Boss Mixu Paatelainen is rapidly
establishing himself as being head and shoulders above any former Cowden manager in the modern era and his new-look side are
a credit to the club.
Not only are Cowden playing an
attractive attacking game, they have the ability to go for the jugular once they get ahead and always look for more goals.
On Saturday, for example, once
Liam Buchanan had neatly dispatched a clever Pat Clarke pass into the net after 15 minutes, Cowden stepped up a gear
and forced corner after corner, including one taken by Pat Scullion which skipper Innes Ritchie smacked against the crossbar.
To be fair Innes, who bullied 'best
striker'Jerome Veraille into submission long before the end, also had to make a goal line clearance to enable Cowden
hold an interval lead.
The vital second goal was rattled
into the roof of the net by Pat Clarke after a Scott Dalziel header had been blocked on the line. Clarke was immediately
swamped by dozens of the 150-plus Cowden fans behind the goals before his teammates joined in the celebrations.
Cowden's slick passing game paid
rich dividends and yet another through ball opened a gateway for Clarke and he produced a clinical finish to make it 3-0.
The icing on the cake came when
Mark Baxter celebrated his first-ever Cowden goal with a pile-driver from the edge of the box to round off another great
day for the Blue Brazil.
Next to face the Cowden firing
squad are Stirling Albion who arrive at Central Park on Challenge Cup business on Tuesday night.
Cowden draw Bairns
at home
Cowden have drawn yet another home
tie in the CIS Insurance Cup and will now face Falkirk in the second round at Central Park on Tuesday, August 22.
The Bairns are currently flying high as joint
leaders of the Scottish Premier League after their unbeaten start to the new season.
However, that won't prevent Blue
Brazil manager Mixu Paatelainen telling his young side to have a go and attack the SPL full-timers in what should
be an attractive tie.
In the meantime, Cowden will concentrate on
their League trip to Ayr on Saturday and then yet another cup contest at Central Park when Stirling Albion arrive for a first-round
Challenge Cup tie on Tuesday.
Central defenders Innes Ritchie and Gary Smith
missed the 4-1 win over East Stirling in midweek but will be available on Saturday when the official Supporters Club bus
will leave Central Park at 11.45am.
|
CHRIS HUGHES was man of the match against Shire |
Hughes hits
the heights
Local teenager Chris Hughes was
handed his first-ever senior start and ended up scoring a double as Cowden shot down East Stirling 4-1 in the CIS Cup at Central
Park on Tuesday night.
The 17-year-old centre-half - whose only
previous appearance was as a last-minute sub against Albion Rovers - was also a worthy winner of the official CIS 'man of
the match' champagne award.
Laurie Ellis captained Cowden in the absence
of the suspended Innes Ritchie and teamed up in the heart of the defence with Hughes who came in for Gary Smith.
The new defensive set-up was rarely troubled
in the first 30 minutes but Cowden were equally ineffective in the strong wind although Pat Scullion did blast a 25-yarder
against the post.
Ace marksman Liam Buchanan eventually broke
the deadlock when he side-footed home a Scott Dalziel cross.
That opener kicked off a Cowden goal spree
and they netted three more before the interval as well as having a legitimate headed goal by Markus Paatelainen
ruled out because someone else was offside.
Yet again a Scullion corner proved productive
when it was knocked back by Ellis to Hughes who hammered the ball into the roof of the net before celebrating his first senior
goal with an impressive somersault.
Pat Clarke soon made it 3-0 with a low left-footer
before Hughes struck again by lashing the ball into the net following another Scullion corner.
The second half was a non-event for Cowden
fans in the 271 crowd but the loyal Shire support at least had a goal from Carl Thywissow to celebrate.
Mark Baxter, Martyn Fotheringham and Iain Mauchlen
were all subbed on for Cowden who had Guy, Gomis and Clarke booked.
Cowden's superb
start
Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon
Brown unfurled the first championship flag won by Cowdenbeath FC for 69 years and then watched in wonder as the Blue Brazil
stormed to the top of the League.
The Third Division champions hammered Alloa
Athletic 6-1 in an incident-packed opening encounter at Central Park on Saturday.
Ex-Armadale striker Scott Dalziel started his
senior career where he had left off against Glenrothes Juniors in midweek and his two early goals were no more than Cowden
deserved.
Pat Clarke saw his header thunder back off
the crossbar as Mixu Paatelainen's men dominated the first half only to be stunned by an Alloa counter from Ross Hamilton
who was a clear ten yards offside but was allowed to run in and beat keeper David Orr who had an impressive senior debut..
Cowden replied in astonishing fashion with
a remarkable four-goal blitz in the five minutes before the hour mark.
Last season's top scorer Liam Buchanan started
the rout when he netted at the second attempt and then Pat Scullion - whose corners had earlier provided two goals - blasted
home an unstoppable free-kick to make it 4-1.
Markus Paatelainen then stepped in to put the
icing on the cake with two goals inside a minute and even the Chancellor was on his feet applauding Cowden's goal feast.
Only blur on a memorable day for the crowd
of 717 was the late red card shown to Cowden skipper Innes Ritchie who unwisely got involved in an unnecessary pushing
match and will now miss the CIS Cup tie against East Stirling at Central Park on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30pm.
Title flag will
fly high
Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon
Brown will unfurl the first championship flag won by Cowdenbeath FC for 69 years.
The unfurling ceremony of the Third
Division championship flag will take place prior to the Blue Brazil's opening Second Division match against Alloa Athletic
at Central Park on Saturday.
Club owner Gordon McDougall, the only chairman
to steer Cowden to three promotions in their 125-year history, will also take part in the historic occasion.
A special booklet detailing all the ups and
downs of Cowden's triumphant season has been produced by David Allan and Andy Mullen and the first batch will be on sale on
Saturday.
Cowden, meanwhile, wrapped up their pre-season
programme with a 2-0 victory over Glenrothes Juniors at Warout Stadium on Wednesday.
Ex-Armadale striker Scott Dalziel, who had
earlier twice hit the bar, scored two goals inside a minute to clinch the victory for Cowden who missed a barrowload
of chances.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen summed up the mood
of all Cowden fans when he said, "Saturday can't come quick enough. We are all looking forward to
the new season."
Honours even
at Linlithgow
Cowden failed to hit the heights
at Linlithgow on Saturday afternoon when the local junior side held them to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly fixture.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen rang the changes with
only keeper David Orr and defenders Innes Ritchie and Graham Guy holding their places in the starting line-up which faced
First Division full-timers St Johnstone 48 hours earlier.
Chances were few and far between in a closely-fought
first period but the Blue Brazil were handed a golden chance when Ryan McCallum was felled in the box just before
the interval.
Unfortunately the normally reliable
Iain Mauchlen made a hash of the resultant spot-kick, driving it straight at the Rose keeper and then heading the rebound
over the bar.
Linlithgow put on six subs at the interval
and the move paid off when they opened the scoring.
The game livened up after that and Cowden earned
their draw courtesy of a perfectly-placed free-kick guided into the corner of the net by Martyn Fotheringham.
Cowden's pre-season programme will be completed
at Warout Stadium in Glenrothes on Wednesday evening with a game against the local junior side, kick-off 7.30pm.
Then it is full steam ahead for the unfurling
of the championship flag prior to the opening Second Division match against Alloa Athletic at Central Park on Saturday.
Every one a
cracker!
Three cracking goals from Laurie
Ellis, Graham Guy and Liam Buchanan enabled Cowden to secure a 3-3 draw against St Johnstone in an entertaining friendly
fixture at Central Park on Thursday evening.
Teenage keeper David Orr, standing in
for the injured Davie Hay who has undergone a hand operation, made a fantastic early save from a quickly-taken free-kick but
Cowden were soon 2-0 behind.
A spectacular flying header by Laurie Ellis
from a Graham Guy cross pulled Cowden back into the game and Guy soon squared matters with an unstoppable free-kick.
The best move of the match came right on half-time
and ended with Liam Buchanan teeing up Markus Paatelainen but the Finn's effort came back off the post.
Buchanan completed a remarkable fightback when
he rose majestically to head home a Pat Scullion corner and although their full-time opponents eventually equalised,
Cowden emerged with a lot of credit.
Cowden - David Orr, Graham Guy, Laurie Ellis,
Chris Hughes, Innes Ritchie, Gary Smith, Morgaro Gomis, Markus Paatelainen, Pat Clarke, Pat Scullion, Liam
Buchanan. Subs used - Iain Mauchlen, Martyn Fotheringham and Scott Dalziel.
Another home
cup-tie
Chairman Gordon McDougall described
it as 'the perfect draw' when the Blue Brazil were handed a home tie against East Stirling in the first round of the
CIS Insurance Cup.
He added "It is a game which we are
obviously looking to win as it is absolutely imperative that we progress as far as possible in this sponsored
tournament."
The game against Third Division Shire tie on
Tuesday, August 8, will also see the upgraded Central Park floodlights in action for the first time.
Ewing is dead lucky
Local family firm Ewing Funeral
Service will be the main shirt sponsors for Cowden throughout the forthcoming Second Division campaign.
Ewing (0800 783 0386) earned
the right to have their name on the front of the Blue Brazil shirts after manager Mixu Paatelainen made the draw live
on Kingdom FM on Monday.
Win and a draw
on tour
Cowden rounded off their weekend
mini-tour by being held to a 1-1 draw at Ashington on Saturday evening (reports Andy Mullen).
Star man Markus Paatelainen put the Blue Brazil
ahead in 30 minutes after good work by Pat Scullion and they stayed in front until the closing minues when Iain
Heron equalised for the home side.
Earlier, an astonishing hat-trick
in 16 minutes from Liam Buchanan set Cowden up for an impressive 4-0 victory over Dalbeattie Star in a friendly fixture on
Friday.
Buchanan, top scorer in the Blue Brazil championship-winning
side last season, struck in the third, 13th and 19th minutes to leave Star reeling.
Young Paul McBride added a fourth
and also hit the bar before the interval as Cowden cruised to victory.
Cowden have drawn a cracking tie
against Stirling Albion in the first round of the Challenge Cup.
The draw for the unsponsored tournament
was made on a 'regional basis' with the Blue
Brazil lumped in with the likes of Ross County, Elgin and Peterhead!
Luck was with Cowden, however, as they
received a home tie against the Binos, a game which should be closely contested.
Mixu moves in
for Morgaro
Blue Brazil boss Mixu Paatelainen
has snapped up trialist Morgaro Gomis after some highly-impressive displays by the Paris-born midfielder.
The versatile Gomis, who celebrated
his 21st birthday earlier this month, looked the best player on the park when Cowden took on Premier full-timers
Dunfermline in a pre-season friendly at Central Park on Monday night.
Every Cowden fan was impressed
by Morgaro's all-action display as he covered every blade of grass on the park as well as producing a string of great
passes.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen
was also impressed and moved quickly to agree a one-year deal with the former Chelsea youth signing.
Given the right encouragement from
the fans, Morgaro could become a big favourite at Central Park in the coming months.
Cowden unlucky
to lose
Cowden suffered the agony of conceding a
last-minute scrambled winner which enabled local rivals Dunfermline to register a lucky 2-1 victory in a pre-season friendly
at Central Park on Monday night.
Although missing five players
through injury, the Blue Brazil made their Premier League full-time opponents look very ordinary for long periods of the game.
Graham Guy almost put Cowden ahead
in the first minute with a blistering left-footer which produced the save of the match from keeper McKenzie.
A half-hit looping header from
McIntyre put Pars ahead but justice was done before the interval when Cowden skipper Innes Ritchie drove home the equaliser.
There were chances at both ends
in the second period but no takers until that late goal.
Cowden can take a lot of plusses
from this match as they now head south to play Dalbeattie and Ashington at the weekend.
Cowden - David Hay, Graham Guy,
Kevin McBride, (Darren McGregor 80), Trialist, Innes Ritchie (Chris Hughes 45), Gary Smith, Martyn Fotheringham (Trialist
60), Markus Paatelainen, Ryan McCallum, Pat Clarke, Liam Buchanan. Unused subs: Lukas Krobot, Paul McBride, Pat Scullion and
David Orr.
Attendance - 675
Home start for
the champs
Third Division champions Cowden
will kick off their Second Division campaign at Central Park, scene of amazing celebrations when the Blue Brazil clinched
their first title triumph in 67 years.
There won't be any helicopters
in attendance this time, but the Cowden fans will be out in force for the opening League fixture on Saturday, 5th August.
The championship flag will be unfurled
before the start of the game against Alloa Athletic.
Cowden then face a midweek Challenge
Cup tie before travelling to face Ayr United on August 12th.
The New Year derby match against
Raith Rovers will go ahead at Starks Park on January 2nd while Cowden wind up their season against Brechin City.
'Manager of the Year' Mixu Paatelainen
is well ahead of schedule in his pre-season preparations with 21 players signed up and a full programme of friendly fixtures already
arranged.
Blue Brazil
volunteer army
Calling Fife's finest fans
- here's everyone's chance to prove their commitment to the Cowden cause. Chairman Gordon McDougall has asked if fans would
be prepared to help the club e.g in tidying up Central Park, undertaking repairs and improvements, painting, etc on a volunteer
basis.
The Supporters Club has agreed
to ask for volunteers names and then will go back to Gordon to see how the fans could help.
Your club needs you - please
stand up and be counted. E-mail daallan6754@aol.com if you wish to be put on the list.
Meet the manager
Cowden's Supporters Club have arranged a Meet the Manager evening with Mixu Paatelainen on Monday, 31st July, at
7.30 (venue to be confirmed). Get along to hear Mixu's thoughts on the eve of the new season.
Accolade for
Mixu
Blue Brazil boss Mixu Paatelainen
has received a richly-deserved accolade for steering Cowden to their first championship success for 67 years.
League sponsors Bell's have named
Mixu as the official "Manager of the Year" for the Third Division and it is an award with which no one will disagree.
Mixu - in his first-ever season as a manager
- transformed a decent Central Park squad into a championship-winning outfit playing attractive attacking football.
Typically, Mixu preferred to give the
credit to the players, coaches, directors and behind-the-scenes staff for the award but there is no doubt whatsoever
he is THE man who won the title.
Now he is off to his native Finland for a well-earned
break before facing the formidable challenge of keeping Cowden in the Second Division.
Signings still
rolling in
Blue Brazil boss Mixu Paatelainen
has continued to strengthen his title-winning squad for the club's Second Division campaign next season and the
latest to arrive is striker Scott Dalziel from Armadale Thistle.
The big news is that Hibs star
Gary Smith has agreed to step down from the Premier League to join Cowden as a player/coach.
35-year-old Smith has played
a high level for more than a decade and joined his former team-mate Mixu despite interest from First Division outfits.
A delighted Mixu said, "I
am very pleased that Gary has decided to move to Central Park. He is an experienced SPL class defender
and is a great capture for us. He is a hard-working and ambitious individual who will offer the club experience both on and
off the park."
20-year-old striker Dalziel, who is 6ft 3in, was top scorer at Armadale last season and chose
Cowden ahead of several other clubs.
Mixu said, "We have been tracking Scott for some time after he was first identified by youth coach
Carlo Crolla. He has great potential and will score goals for us with the right supply"
18-year-old keeper David Orr, formerly
with Stenhousemuir, who was on loan to Bo'ness last season, has also joined Cowden while former Blue Brazilian Michael
Renwick has returned to Central Park in a coaching capacity.
Cowden stars on parade
Plans are currently being discussed over the possibility of Cowden's
championship-winning squad leading the Cowdenbeath Civic Week parade on Saturday, 1st
July.
The Blue Brazil's first title
victory in 67 years will also be marked by a yearbook-style publication written by club programme producers Andy Mullen and David Allan.
Author Ron Ferguson, a lifelong
Cowden fan, is also writing a book about an unforgettable seasonn for everyone at Central Park.
Meanwhile, on the playing side,
manager Mixu Paatelainen is maintaining his policy of recruiting emerging young talent with the arrival of 21-year-old Pat
Clarke from Raith Rovers and 23-year-old Martyn Fotheringham from Montrose.
Hall of Fame honour for champs
|
CELEBRATION time for Cowden's championship-winning heroes |
Club chairman Gordon McDougall,
manager Mixu Paatelainen and the entire Cowden title-winning squad have been elected to the Blue Brazil Hall of Fame by the
official supporters club.
This honour will please every Cowden
fan, coming a few days after the Blue Brazil bravehearts clinched the club's first championship title
success in 67 years.
A nervy but historic 2-1 win over Elgin
City was enough to send the 2646 crowd - a record for the Third Division this season - wild with delight.
While they awaited the arrival
of the helicopter delivering the Bell's championship trophy, the jubilant players celebrated by climbing the Racewall
to dance with the fans on the terracing.
An early strike by top scorer Liam
Buchanan sent Cowden on their way and settled the nerves. Cult hero Armand Oné added a second just after the
interval and the Blue Brazil supporters began their title celebrations.
A goal by Elgin's Nelson meant
a nervous final 20 minutes for Cowden even after the visitors had Gardiner sent off for decking Kevin McBride.
Justice was done, however, when
Cowden completed their fourth win of the season over the Highlanders to set the terracing and stands into singing
mode.
The celebrations lasted long into
the night after manager Mixu Paatelainen and his squad were given a heroes' welcome at the supporters end of season dance
in Wee Jimmies.
After seeing his wee brother Markus
lift both the 'players player' and 'fans player' awards, boss Mixu took time to congratulate his whole squad on their commitment,
quality and fighting spirit..
He singled out young Paul
McBride's equaliser at East Stirling as a significant milestone in the 11-game unbeaten run which led to the title success.
Star of the show at the awards ceremony was the big yin himself, Armand
Oné, who charmed his way into the hearts of everyone present.
Armand, who won the award for best
individual performance, confessed, "Three months ago I had no club, no team and no fans. Now I have a championship medal
and I am one happy man."
That, of course, sparked off
the 127th chorus of Oné Oné Oné Oné ..... which was equalled only by There's Only Three/Four Paatelainens.
Markus thanked the Cowden fans
not only for the trophies but for their support following the horror injury which almost ended his career.
The fans were also praised by manager
Mixu who said, "Today was fantastic but we will also remember those who travelled week in, week out to support us. We may
not be the biggest club in Britain but that does not stop us having some of the best supporters."
The annual awards
|
Markus Paatelainen is Third Division ''Player of the Year'' |
Three of the best for Markus!
Cowden star Markus Paatelainen completed an unforgettable weekend
when he was named as the Third Division 'Player of the Year' at the annual SPFA awards ceremony.
Only 24 hours earlier the talented Finn had made his first start for
months following a horror injury and helped Cowden to their first championship success for 67 years.
Then he attended the Supporters Club annual dance where he was a
very popular winner of both major awards - the fans and the players best 'player of the year' trophies.
A truly remarkable hat-trick for 23-year-old Markus, one of the
best players ever to wear a Blue Brazil jersey.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR FUNCTION 2006
Following the wonderful
afternoon of celebration and emotion at Central Park, the partying continued with a vengeance on Saturday night as Cowden
fans, officials, and players gathered to enjoy a jubilant gala evening at Wee Jimmies as the Cowdenbeath Supporters Club
hosted its annual awards ceremony. The only sadness was that our old friend Willie Anderson
had not been spared to enjoy this great championship day.
The fans raised the roof when Mixu and his team entered the Hall with the 3rd Division Championship trophy. They
were welcomed by Supporters Club Chairman Dave Tuson who thanked them on behalf of those present for a thrill of a lifetime
experience. Many a fan then had the thrill of being photographed with Mixu and the team together with the trophy.
The main award of the evening as always was the Cowdenbeath Supporters Club Player of the Year trophy sponsored
by the Central Fife Times. To raucous acclaim this was won by Cowden's Finnish footballing star Markus Paatelainen who
would go on the following night to win the accolade of Player of the Year for the SFL 3rd Division from his fellow pros. John
Ward was runner up with skipper Innes Ritchie in third place.
Markus Paatelainen
also received the acclaim of his Cowden teammates when he was awarded the Eric Mitchell Players Player of the Year Trophy
with Kevin McBride as runner-up. Further silverware came Markus's way when he collected the Blue Brazil online Fans
Player of the Year award and received the Willie Anderson Trophy (named in honour of the late Willie Anderson).
Liam Buchanan won
the Hooky Leonard Trophy awarded to the club's top goalscorer as well as the John Finlay Trophy for the young player
of the year. Dougie Hill was runner up to Liam in the poll for young player of the year with Ryan McCallum third..
The One Stop Mortgages
Trophy for the goal of the season was awarded to Mikko Paatelainen for his memorable long range goal at Central Park v
Queen's Park when Cowden won 6-0. Runner-up was Darren Gribben for his goal v St Johnstone while Dougie Hill's vital
effort at Stenhousemuir was third favourite.
John Ward was honoured
by the fans by being voted Junction Bar Members' favourite Player of the Season. Armand
Oné picked up the Pollock Shield for the Best Individual Performance of the season for his hat trick display v
East Stirling.
The Blue Brazil online Player of the Year Trophy (the Willie Mercer Trophy) was awarded to goalkeeper Davie 'the Cat'
Hay with Gary Fusco as runne-up. The Joe Ferguson Trophy for the Blue Brazil online Young Player of the Year was
presented to Mark Baxter by Joe's son Sandy Ferguson.
The Lord Ewing Shield sponsored by the BLCC for Cowden supporter of the year was awarded to lifelong fans Sandy and Ron
Ferguson.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen took the opportunity to congratulate
his whole squad on their commitment, quality, sheer mental strength and fighting spirit.
As for the fans, he said, "Today was fantastic but we will also remember
those who travelled week in, week out to support us. We may not be the biggest club in Britain but that does
not stop us having some of the best supporters."
Mixu also paid a warm tribute to club chairman Gordon McDougall as
did club secretary Tom Ogilvie. Many of the players too had the opportunity to
say a few words.
Armand Oné was delighted to say -
"Three months ago I had no club, no team and no fans. Now I have a championship medal and I am one happy man."
A year ago at this same event skipper
Innes Ritchie said "I would like to see a promotion party next year". His (and the fans) dream came true
and as Innes said "Take a look on Sky when the League table comes up and you'll see a little (c) after Cowden's name
- that means CHAMPIONS."
The full list of prize-winners was as follows:
Supporters Club Player of the Year: Markus Paatelainen
Player's Player of the Year: Markus Paatelainen
Supporters Club Young Player of the Year: Liam Buchanan
Blue Brazil On-line Player of the Year: David Hay
Blue Brazil On-line Young Player of the Year: Mark
Baxter
Blue Brazil On-line Fans Player of the Year: Markus
Paatelainen
Star Trophy: John Ward
Best Individual Performance of the Season: Armand
Oné
Best Goal of the Season: Mikko Paatelainen
Supporter of the Year: Joint winners - Ron Ferguson
and Sandy Ferguson
Function is sold out
The Cowdenbeath Supporters Club
annual Player of the Year function at Wee Jimmies this Saturday is now a complete sell-out!
Only those with tickets or who
have already reserved tickets will be able to gain admission on the night.
Demand has been so heavy it's likely
the club could have filled the hall twice over!
Title within reach
The Blue Brazil bravehearts are now
on the brink of clinching the club's first championship title success in 67 years.
That simple statement will
have the fans flocking to Central Park for the final game of the League programme on Saturday.
The fact that opponents Elgin
City are themselves still in the promotion play-off picture only adds spice to the final fixture which will be watched
by Central Park's biggest attendance of the season.
Any Cowden fan - and indeed manager
Mixu Paatelainen - would have settled for a promotion play-off place earlier this season but now everyone would love
to see a victory on Saturday which would guarantee the title.
Cowden are currently on a ten-game
unbeaten run which has been achieved through guts and commitment as well as tactics and skill.
The squad spirit has shone through
and it has been equalled by the non-stop support from the terracing and stands.
The loss of ever-present defender
John Ward through suspension is a blow to Mixu's men but the return of inspirational star Markus Paatelainen is definitely
a timely bonus.
Now only 90 nail-biting minutes
stand between Cowden and glory.
Let's hope the sun shines on the
cowshed!
Hampden heroes!
Urged on by the majority of the
1247 fans at Hampden on Saturday, the Blue Brazil bravehearts are still on course for their first championship title
in 67 years.
But the 2-2 draw against an enterprising
Queens Park side came a price
as ever-present skipper John Ward was red-carded by inept referee Ian Frickleton for two innocuous challenges.
These Cowden youngsters, however, never accept defeat and twice fought back
from a goal down to stretch their remarkable unbeaten run to ten games.
So the scene was set for the final
championship showdown against Elgin City on Saturday but not before Cowden fans had suffered a thousand agonies.
Nerves were there in abundance
from the start and the shaky start enabled Mark Ferry to put Queens ahead. Top scorer Liam Buchanan levelled after good work
by Graham Guy but another defensive lapse allowed David Weatherston to restore Queens lead in their next attack.
David McKenna, who had earlier forced
keeper Mark Cairns into a spectacular stop with a dipping volley, hit the post from a few feet after Liam Buchanan had
split the home defence wide open.
Armand Oné smashed home a second
equaliser right after the break - his first away goal - and Cowden at last took a solid grip on the game.
But that all changed with
the dismissal of stopper John Ward for a second controversial booking and there is little doubt that ref Frickleton's decision
changed the game.
Cowden were put on the back foot
and were forced to defend desperately for the final 30 minutes. Keeper Davie Hay made some super stops but credit must
go to the whole team who ran themselves into the ground.
Boss Mixu Paatelainen pushed
on three subs, including younger brother Markus, and the point earned kept Cowden at the top of the League.
Fans head for
Hampden
Cowden can already boast the biggest
travelling support in the Third Division but Blue Brazilians will be out in even greater numbers at Hampden on Saturday.
A tremendous hat-trick by
Armand Oné and another deadly double from David McKenna in the 5-0 win over East Stirling strengthened Cowden's
bid for their first championship title in 67 years.
Now the next stop is Hampden
on Saturday to face Queens Park who themselves are still in the promotion race.
It should be another pulsating
90 minutes for the Central Park side but they will be assured of non-stop backing from the hundreds of Blue Brazil
fans heading for Hampden. Supporters can
book their seats at daallan6754@aol.com or phone 01383 724000. Departure time is 12.30pm.
If ever there was a need for EVERY
Cowden fan to make the effort to attend, then Hampden is the place to be this Saturday.
Blue Brazil boss Mixu Paatelainen
has never been slow to stress how much the vocal backing means to his young team, especially in recent away matches at Stenny
and Shire when they went a goal down before fighting back.
Now he asking for maximum backing
in the final two games at Hampden and Central Park.
His players, of course, will also
be giving 100percent as usual but he stressed they will have to remain focussed, explaining "The players must never stop
concentrating on the quality of their own performance - that is what matters."
All Cowden fans enjoyed the news
that Markus Paatelainen is back in full training and has reached the short list for Third Division 'player of the year' along
with Jordan Smith, Chris McGroarty and Colin Cramb.
So the title dream lives on as
both players and fans prepare to dig deep for the final push.
Oné-Two-Three!
A tremendous treble for Armand
Oné, yet another deadly double from David McKenna and a five-star display from Liam Buchanan edged Cowden another step
nearer the Third Division title on Saturday.
The Blue Brazil strike trio took
centre stage as they engineered a 5-0 victory over bottom club East Stirling at Central Park while championship rivals Berwick
and Stenhousemuir both dropped points.
After an impeccably-observed minute's
silence in tribute to legendary local fan Willie Anderson who had died earlier in the day, Cowden set about the Shire
with an abundance of commitment and energy.
Corner after corner (13 in the
first half alone) produced plenty of problems for the Shire defence but no goals, although Dougie Hill had one effort
cleared off the line.
Cowden did earn an interval lead
when Armand Oné and Liam Buchanan combined to set up David McKenna who swept the ball home from 12 yards.
Big Armand Oné settled the
nerves right after the break when he powered home a Buchanan cross and he went on to complete his hat-trick
by nodding in a Kevin McBride corner at the near post and then forcing another Buchanan pass over the line.
No wonder Central Park's biggest
League crowd of the season gave Armand a standing ovation when he was subbed off - although he was quickly back on the pitch
at the end to claim the match ball!
Midfielder Mark Baxter was unlucky
not to notch his first-ever Cowden goal when his fierce drive beat Shire keeper Derek Jackson but rebounded off the post.
David McKenna, who had earlier
seen Jackson make a wonder save from his point-blank volley, completed the scoring by grabbing his fourth double in
the last six games.
Blue Brazil gaffer Mixu Paatelainen
said after the game, "That was more like the standard of performance I expect from my team. I am happy."
Mixu, however, knows that
sterner opposition awaits his side than the Shire who never once threatened despite the promptings of former Cowden boss
John Brownlie.
Spirit of Cowden!
Make no mistake, if you could bottle
the spirit shown by Cowden in recent weeks and sell it on E-bay, you would be a millionaire.
The Blue Brazil bravehearts have overhauled Stenhousemuir's
gigantic 11-point lead by embarking on a seven-game unbeaten run to surge to the top of the table.
No praise is high enough for the
whole squad who have shrugged off the loss of superstar Markus Paatelainen and - more recently - inspirational skipper Innes
Ritchie to keep their title bid right on track.
The team which finished off
Saturday's 2-1 victory over
Albion had an average age of only 21 but what they lack in experience they make up for in sheer guts and determination.
This has been proved in their last
four games when they have gone behind but still managed to battle back to extend the unbeaten sequence.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen has marshalled
his resources superbly ever since he arrived at Central Park as a rookie boss and his positive outlook has pleased
the fans no end.
Mixu, typically, prefers to praise
the players, saying "Their focus and commitment have been second to none and they have earned top place."
Now only three tests stand between
Cowden and their first championship success in 67 years - a home game against Shire on Saturday, then a trip to Hampden before
the Central Park finale against Elgin City.
Cowden fans have been magnificent
this season, staying behind the team when things dont go to plan and then encouraging their heroes to battle
back.
A play-off place has been secured,
now it's do-or-die for the title. Roll on Saturday!
Top of the League!
Cowden charged into top spot
in the Third Division thanks to a glorious fightback against Albion Rovers at Central Park on Saturday.
With Berwick beating previous leaders
Stenhousemuir, the Blue Brazil's 2-1 victory over Albion pushed them ahead of the pack with just three games to go.
But it took a tremendous quick-fire
double from loan star teenager David McKenna to extend Cowden's unbeaten run to seven matches and lift his personal tally
to nine goals in just 14 games.
Graham Guy and Kevin McBride were
fit again but Gary Fusco was suspended while a thigh injury cost keeper Davie Hay his ever-present record.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen
was again forced to shuffle his starting line-up but once more Cowden made an unimpressive start, despite the promptings of an in-form Mark
Baxter.
Top scorer Liam Buchanan should
have settled the nerves with an open goal but keeper Gary McGlynn blocked his effort and worse was to follow when
slack defending allowed Scott Chaplain to give Albion an interval lead.
The good news from Berwick spurred
the Blue Brazil on but calmness in front of goal was sadly lacking as chances went abegging, especially two openings
carved out for Iain Mauchlen and David McKenna.
All was forgiven, however,
when McKenna rifled home two goals inside three minutes to send his team to the top of the League.
Recalled keeper Andy Carlin engineered
the first with a driven clearance which McKenna latched on to before driving home from the edge of the box.
McKenna soon afterwards hit the
winner after good work by Darren McGregor
and Liam Buchanan to edge
Cowden closer to their first championship success for 67 years.
Boss Mixu even subbed on teenagers
Paul McBride and Chris Hughes, the latter making his senior debut, as the Central Park faithful celebrated in
style.
Stenny are slaughtered
The streets of Stenhousemuir were bouncing on Saturday afternoon as hundreds of Blue Brazil fans
celebrated their team's 2-1 victory over the league leaders.
Forget the scoreline - Cowden were in complete
command and a six-goal winning margin would have been a better reflection of a one-sided game.
Having said that, it took a brilliant block
by keeper Davie Hay in the final minutes to preserve Cowden's 100 per cent record over their last five games.
Both teams made a nervy start but Mixu Paatelainen's
men were soon on top with Iain Mauchlen unlucky to see his angled lob bounce back off the far post.
Stoppers John Ward and Dougie Hill had the
top-scoring strikeforce in the Third Division in their back pockets so it was a major surprise when Stenny took the lead when
a linesman ruled that Mercer's effort had crossed the line.
Cowden stormed back and yet another superb
corner from Kevin McBride again caused utter panic in the home defence. Armand One eventually rolled the ball
back to Dougie Hill who blasted it high into the net from 12 yards.
It was his first-ever goal for Cowden and he
celebrated in style as did the fans, delighted to see their heroes go in at the interval on level terms.
The vocal Coo boys went delirious soon after
the break when on-fire Liam Buchanan slammed home a rebound from a narrow angle - his 15th goal of the season.
From then on Stenny were absolutely slaughtered
by a rampant Cowden side who peppered the home goal only to see lucky saves, good saves, goal-line clearances and chalked-off
goals keep the score at 2-1.
The home fans realised their team were being
outclassed all over the park and started drifting away long before the final whistle.
The Cowden support, in contrast, stayed
right behind their team from beginning to end, a fact which inspired their team to fight for every ball for every second of
the game.
Now the same lung-bursting efforts from both
players and supporters will be required in the final five games if the Blue Brazil are to capture their first championship
title for 67 years.
Beath brains best again
Cowden fans retained the Fife Shield in a thrilling finish to the annual
general knowledge quiz staged in Torleys in Lochgelly on Friday night.
The Allan family, aided by Andy Mullen and Shaw Crichton, topped the
final table on 162pts with long-time leaders Lochore Welfare runners-up on 160pts and the Fraser trio of Blue
Brazil fans in third place with 159 points.
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