Ex-Jambo Cowan rediscovers goal touch

MARK COWAN is starting to recapture the form that made him top-scorer for Hearts Under-19s before he was released.

Cowan joined Broxburn Athletic earlier this season and has overcome a sticky start to become a key man for Steve Pittman’s side.

He grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-0 hammering of Dalry in the second round of the Scottish Junior Cup a fortnight ago and was also on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 3-1 Premier Division win over Arniston.

“When Mark first came here, he was recovering from an injury and hadn’t trained much so he wasn’t really fit,” said the Broxburn boss. “We threw him into the side and, on reflection, that wasn’t fair on him as he wasn’t ready.

“But he’s now getting a lot fitter and, as a result of that, he’s a completely different player.

“He was struggling with everything at first, but now he’s not only starting to score goals but also holding it up well and linking well with John Jeffrey.”

Pittman played against Cowan’s dad Steve, the former Hibs and Motherwell striker. “If he turns out to be half as good a finisher as him, then we’ll be okay,” he added.

Tomorrow Broxburn are in league action at Tayport, who are setting the pace in the Premier Division with 16 points – nine more than Broxburn, though the West Lothian side have three games in hand.

Penicuik, also through to the next round in the Junior Cup, return to league business at home to Broughty Athletic, while Arniston entertain Glenrothes. Newtongrange visit Armadale.