Cowdenbeath 2 Albion Rovers 0

Last updated : 02 October 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Cowdenbeath recorded a convincing victory over Albion Rovers, although they left it late to ensure the points stayed at Central Park. The home side should have been ahead within the first five minutes with three great chances.

The best fell to Dene Shields, but his shot from a tight angle after rounding Chris Fahey was blocked on the line by Danny Black.

Ricky Patrick's low 25-yard drive in the 26th minute was the first real test for home keeper Allan Fleming, and it came as no surprise when Cowdenbeath took the lead on the half hour. Paul McHale's superb right to left cross-field pass found Darren Gribben, who beat his marker and fired home to give his team the first half advantage.

Both teams came out fighting in the second half and Gribben should have put the game beyond doubt after 58 minutes, but his free header went weakly over.

Rovers looked devoid of ideas in the second half and it was Cowdenbeath who made most of the headway. They should have comfortably sealed the points, especially in the 76th minute when Iain Mauchlen's effort crashed off the bar.

However, the sighs of relief eventually came in the final minute. A quick breakaway allowed Mauchlen to feed Liam Buchanan, who kept his composure to seal the victory.