A TOP class performance by former Cowden ‘keeper, Danny Farrell, denied the Blues victory in Friday night’s 1-1 draw with East Premier League side Whitburn.

Farrell, who was signed by then manager Maurice Ross, in 2022, pulled off a series of top notch saves as Cowdenbeath created a host of chances during the game at Central Park.

Cowden had more players fully fit for this one, with Jake Sutherland leading the line, having signed earlier in the day on loan from Dunfermline Athletic, and his pace and close control saw him involved in creating some good openings for team mates.

There were some excellent midfield performances from skipper Robbie McNab, Aaron Dunsmore and Mattie McDonald, while at the back Greg MacPherson put in a fine attacking display down the right flank, while in defence Jack Denham, Paul McLean and Gregor Jordan played solidly.

Whitburn threatened in the second minute when Andrew Thomson broke through and his low 12 yard shot was brilliantly finger-tipped wide by ‘keeper Ruaridh Lynch.

But in 10 minutes Cowden took the lead, when trialist Steven Thomson cut the ball back from the right and Matty McDonald was lying in the perfect position to blast the ball high into the net from 10 yards out.

Whitburn hit back in 20 minutes, when Ross Crawford worked space for himself in the home box and Lynch was alert to the situation and made a good block.

Then five minutes later a McDonald corner was met by Gregor Jordan and his eight yard header saw Farrell make a top class save.

Then in the last minute of the half Farrell, after a good Cowden move, made a top class save from Sutherland.

Twelve minutes into the second period Cowden came close to a second when Dunsmore fired in a 20 yarder which had Farrell at full stretch, then two minutes later sub Aiden McLaughlin brought out a fine save from the Whitburn last line.

Whitburn were using the long ball fairly effectively to pose Cowden problems, and with 11 minutes left the tactic brought the visitors the equaliser.

A pass down the right-hand side caught Cowden’s Lynch in two minds and he was found in no man’s land as Crawford fired a 25 yard lob into the net.

With four minutes left Newman’s pass sent home skipper McNab clean through but again Farrell pulled off a great save to ensure this very open game ended level.

Cowdenbeath: Lynch, G MacPherson (McLaughlin 58), Denham (Trialist 58), McLean (Kerr 46), Jordan, Dunsmore, McDonald (Whyte 58), McNab, Sutherland (Trialist 67), Trialist (Docherty 67), Newman. Subs not used: Healy and Blair (GK).

Whitburn: Farrell, Watson (Goodlad 55), Hamilton (Devine 55), Liddell (McGarahan 70) Clark, Crawford, Thomson (Henderson), Graham (McCafferty 70), Hambrook (Edwards 70), Gillan (Fotheringham 70), Murray (Croall 55). Subs not used, Brown (GK).

Referee: Alan Budd