Third Division: Legends inspire Cowdenbeath to stretch lead

Published on Sunday 25 January 2009 22:11

COWDENBEATH stretched their unbeaten run to seven games when they defeated Albion Rovers 2-1 at Central Park as former goalkeeper Ray Allan and other past club greats watched on as part of Legends Day. Having secured six victories during this run it would be fair to say that Danny Lennon's men are in the form which can win them the title.

John Gemmell returned from a two-month spell on the sidelines to score twice before Ian Harty replied through a penalty. Paul Martin's men almost ruined the home side's gala day when a Brendan Crozier drive had to be cleared off the goal-line by Darren McGregor, but the points stayed in Fife to increase Cowdenbeath's lead at the top to five points with a game in hand.

Lennon said: "We played some really good stuff and I was also pleased with our focus in the second half."

Second-placed Stenhousemuir slipped up 3-1 at home to Montrose in a performance described by manager John Coughlin as "the worst I have seen since I came here". A John Ovenstone own goal opened the scoring in 15 minutes, but the Warriors hit back when Kevin Motion equalised before half time. A Roddy Hunter double in the second half earned Steven Tweed the first victory of his managerial career.

Coughlin also lamented the decision by referee Dougie McDonald not to send off home goalkeeper Tony Bullock when he handled outside of the box with Montrose leading 2-1, saying: "The referee gave the foul and then did not show any cards. It was a strange decision and could have been a major turning point." To compound his anger, Bullock produced a fine save to deny Ian Diack with the resultant free-kick.

Dumbarton's improvement continued with a 2-1 win at Berwick where Paul McLeod's lobbed shot put the Sons ahead. Stuart Callaghan equalised with a 25-yard strike and Derek Carcary's goal from the edge of the box won the game.

Annan defeated East Stirling 4-0 with Graham Bell opening the scoring before a Mike Jack double and a Scott Anson goal completed a fine win.

Ross Jack's debut as Elgin City manager was delayed as his side's clash at Forfar was postponed.